fight to preserve the evolution to what is now modern man with an intensity of unequaled superiority. No doubt that Homo sapiens are the pinnacle of intelligence and abilities.
That said, I hope I live long enough for the fury with which some accuse those trying to fully understand the VERY UNAPPRECIATED and POORLY UNDERSTOOD thinking and intelligence of both non-human primates and so many vertebrates, and yes, some invertebrates-- from mammals to birds to fish (octopus)-- of being mere sentimental anthropomorphists--to be fully discredited. (Sorry for the very long sentence, but necessary). So much has been learned--even in my lifetime--about the phenomenal abilities and intelligence of so many of these beings (dogs, crows, octopuses/octopi, primates and so many others) that I become angry to see it discounted. Obviously, some of this is rooted in religious claptrap which finds it necessary to ensure man as the pinnacle of all and subordinate to none other than "GOD," but I think it is institutionalized ignorance, frankly that has made it very difficult to fully explore the range of intelligent beings. Why the insecurity regarding the clear superior evolution of man makes so many afraid to acknowledge what we don't know or understand about other highly intelligent, but very different animal life is a source of contempt that has followed me for a lifetime. I hope educated persons working in the field as yourself can impart some "evolution of thought" to those you surely encounter who propagate those attitudes. Our very own species survival may be dependant on adopting a much broader interest and appreciation for other intelligent life sharing this earth with us.
--end of soapbox--
= new reply since forum marked as read
