--- In SkunkworksAMA_at_yahoogroups.com, "Capt. Havoc"
<capthavoc123_at_...> wrote:
>
> I'd like to see you make the argument of superiority when you're
attacked by a shark while swimming at the beach. We may have an
intellectual and technological advantage, but that does not make us
superior.
I reckon I'll toss in my two cents before we wrap this long-winded
discussion up...
Human beings are animals whether we want to admit it or not. The
primary difference seems to be that we have eveolved mentally,
instead of physically. Most animals could wipe out a human without
even trying. Our senses are laughable, we have no natural weapons,
and even the design of our body limits our physical abilities. So,
since we couldn't compete with animals on a level playing surface, we
evolved mentally, by learning how to build tools and weapons, and
learning how to set traps and such. We compensated for our
shortcomings, which is nothing more than adapting (all animals do
this. Look at how many have specialized attributes or abilities,
specifically suited to their lifestyles).
The problem, though, is that our species has overcomplicated
things. We are complex because we have made ourselves that way.
Compare a fellow from Wall Street to a member of some African tribe.
Both are human, both are male, but hey, one sure as hell is
complicated. Our environment defines who we are. All your fears,
hates and prejudices are programmed into you as you grow up, by your
relatives, peers, and the society around you. We are, quite simply,
a result of the environment we have created, and we've made it
unnecessarily complicated. A human could live it's entire life very
simply and naturally (as per many native tribes). But our desire for
power and control have unfortunately twisted many of us into what we
are today.
This is an interesting discussion, and I do encourage folks to
continue it. However, I've gotten over a dozen e-mails from members
asking about stopping this thread. Rather than do that, would the
involved parties be willing to continue the debate via e-mail? Not
trying to step on anyone's toes here, but it's a bit of a juggling
act trying to please both sides of the same coin.
Okay, I've got chores to do (and no, it's not plowing the field or
milking the cows, ha ha ha. I live in a farming community, not on a
damn farm!)
Keep your cool, folks. I'll have some new, on-topic stuff within a
couple days...
--JMH
Received on Wed Feb 21 2007 - 14:35:24 CST