I’m one of those people who believe humans are the most
superior beings on the planet and everything else was created for and because
of them. However, a human is often categorised as ‘an animal’ and then
‘something else’. My logic (be it right or wrong) dictated that to find that ‘something
else’ we could probably compare ourselves to animals and figure out what is it
that we have and they don’t; what are the differences? Furthermore, this would
give animals another means to assist humans.
So, I wondered about the differences between animals and
humans and I think one of the main differences is the fact that no animal is
aware of the existence of future. I’m not talking in terms of recognising a
threat and responding to it to save your life, or even in terms of ‘I know I’ll
sleep the winter, so I better collect me some nuts now’, I mean in terms of
predicting, readjusting plans, looking for best option, etc. If this difference
between humans and animals is true, this would explain why only humans can
wish, dream, hope, worry, etc.
Another difference closely related to this is: we are aware
of the future because we know the past. An animal can only learn from their own
experience, a human can learn from anything and anyone. When we combine these
two differences we end up with wishes, dreams, hopes and worries not only for
ourselves, but for others as well.
So, next time someone tells you ‘Have a nice day’ think
about it, and don’t let the simplicity of this sentence fool you; it is NOT a
simple sentence and it is limited to humans not only in terms of language but
in meaning and sentiment.
And I hope you’ll all love what you have and get what you
love.
