One often hears statements such as "He was acting like an animal" or "She was treated like an animal." I find such declarations disturbing on several levels.
With regard to the first statement, I would make the point that he is an animal, not a plant. We share the same physiology and instincts; of course, our larger brain should confer a reasonable degree of social etiquette, empathy and behavioral constraints but that is not always the case. Indeed, one might easily argue that some humans are the cruelest animals on the planet.
Regarding the second statement, there is an implication that it might be acceptable to mistreat non-human animals; this notion has been widespread since we first domesticated animals about 12,000 years ago and continues today in the form of puppy mills, feedlots, trophy hunting and other human endeavors. On the other hand, many humans pay more attention to the needs of their pets than to the welfare of their fellow humans; we are even kind enough to provide compassionate euthanasia while restricting that option for "children of God." The more we accept the fact that we are animals, just as much a part of nature as those we observe in the wild, the better off all species will be, mankind included.
With regard to the first statement, I would make the point that he is an animal, not a plant. We share the same physiology and instincts; of course, our larger brain should confer a reasonable degree of social etiquette, empathy and behavioral constraints but that is not always the case. Indeed, one might easily argue that some humans are the cruelest animals on the planet.
Regarding the second statement, there is an implication that it might be acceptable to mistreat non-human animals; this notion has been widespread since we first domesticated animals about 12,000 years ago and continues today in the form of puppy mills, feedlots, trophy hunting and other human endeavors. On the other hand, many humans pay more attention to the needs of their pets than to the welfare of their fellow humans; we are even kind enough to provide compassionate euthanasia while restricting that option for "children of God." The more we accept the fact that we are animals, just as much a part of nature as those we observe in the wild, the better off all species will be, mankind included.
