Humans are more advanced than "lower animals" in three respects: our brain power, our precision hands and our articulate speech. The latter is a function of the position and structure of our larynx and the refined musculature of our face, tongue and pharynx. While other creatures have superior eyesight, hearing and olfaction, we are the great communicators.
Today, as we honor those who were killed and wounded in our numerous wars, it is clear that man has abused and ignored his communication skills. The power of speech has often been used to foment conflict rather than to quell disagreements. Greed, economic demands, political motivations and religious zealotry have all played a role. Let's hope that, as man evolves, he learns to talk more and fight less; communication is a more effective method of inducing change and it doesn't cause the deaths of young soldiers and innocent civilians.
