There are some people; often of a scientific persuasion, that believe that we are just a different species of animal. However, humans have a level of self-consciousness and intelligence which is lacking in animals – even animals that we generally accept as having superior intellect.
Humans react based on reasoned thought, whilst animals respond to instinctual drives. Our ability to reason leads us to search for meaning in our own lives as well as meaning in human life in general. The search for the purpose in life has resulted in the development of culture, religion, myths and philosophy. We strive to understand why humans have to suffer or grieve.
Humans also have the ability to understand the past, present and future. We cherish or mourn what has happened in the past. We understand that what we do in the present will impact on our future, and so we set goals and have aspirations for the future.
This leads us to think about the impact of our own death. We fear death and also plan for it. Each culture has developed their own rites to try and find meaning in death. Most humans have a belief system that takes us beyond death to an afterlife. Animals have no awareness of such concepts.
Humans are creative. We love music, art and literature. Some argue that animals can also create such things. For example, the weaver bird creates a nest of intricate design, but that design stays the same generation after generation.
Humans have the ability to think in abstract terms. We can visualise a house, draw a rough sketch and explain the rough drawing to an architect and builder, and between them a house will be constructed according to the vision that existed only in the mind of the first person.
Humans have the ability to comprehend connections between large numbers of words which in turn has given us the ability to learn languages.
Humans have developed economic systems from the early days of simple bartering to the current stock exchange systems. We have the capacity for scientific thought and we experiment and develop theories.
Humans enjoy sex beyond the purpose of procreation.
Humans strive to be individuals. We change our appearance, personality and habits. We experience emotions such as happiness, joy, and, conversely, sadness.
Humans are born with a concept of morality. From an early age, we can differentiate between and understand right from wrong. We have the ability to make choices based on our morality and we seek answers for our existence.
Surely with all these abilities, humans should be able to nurture the animals of the world and protect their environment?