Distinction of humans

By: Qwaider

On:Sunday, May 17, 2009 7:52:46 AM
In:Thoughts
Viewed: (4263) times

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Perhaps the only thing that truly differentiate humans from Animals is, the desire to enjoy things, and have fun. Just consider all our senses. With animals surpassing us in just about any individual ability, humans turned just about every sense into a joyful endeavor.

Take taste for example. Science tells us that Humans are not unique in having taste buds. In fact, some animals might be more sensitive to taste. But only humans would reshape the basic needs from pleasant, unpleasant and indifferent to create an Olympic championship of tasting and savoring different taste. Not only that but marvel at the ability to reproduce such complex mixtures and cooking methods (basically physical and chemical processes that alter the taste of food to enhance certain flavors, suppress others, and transform food to a completely different properties)

The same applies to just about everything. Humans appear to add a level of vanity to just about everything they do, say or experience. We are probably the only creatures to have "fun" with our food. Don't get me wrong, taste might have been very essential in the early history of humans to distinguish between what's edible and what's not. It might have meant the difference between life and death. But now, it's only being used as an indulgence, not survival.

We cater for our sensory overload in every possible way. The eyes now have synthetic views to help them relax and enjoy. The sense of smell is constantly bombarded with beautiful complex smells that don't save our lives, or help us track our prey. But for us to enjoy a good glass of wine, some fine cigar or an expensive perfume.

I am starting to believe that the hallmark of the human existence revolves around joy. Enjoying everything around us. Enjoying every experience. Doing it "just for fun". From premeditated murder, to having sex. Humans have a certain extra dimension in their evolution formula, farther reaching than survival on it's own. And that's the glorification of joy.

Perhaps all religions and legal systems have come to limit and regulate our excessive drive towards vanity. I guess that's what makes us human as compassion can be found in Animals, and often skips many humans. Perhaps that's why joyless life isn't considered life worth living in the first place

Maybe, that's why once certain people grow older and start forgetting, or sacrificing everything that gives them joy. They appear to age faster, and die sooner. Is it possible that Joy is our elusive elixir of life?

I guess, "A head with no joy is better chopped off" saying has some valid roots after all. (الراس اللي ما فيها كيف حلال قطعة). Maybe this explains why some people thrive even under the most inhumane conditions.

So what kind of joy are you planning for today? You never know, it might prolong your life!

Memories....

#1
KJ
Said
On: 5/17/2009 8:44:33 AM
SpamScore=[0.2]

I concur, Sam! That's how our brain is actually wired if you look at it. Though no one can say for certain, animals are more wired to seek whats comfortable enough for survival, while our brains have evolved more since we take life for granted. Therefor we seek higher things, and it would be unwise to seek depression, right?

We actually seek out happiness, though the means or ends may not always be appropriate.

#2
za3tar
Said
On: 5/18/2009 5:32:36 PM
SpamScore=[-0.56]

Hmm .. i never thought of it this way.. but you are right .. it seems all other animals except humans do the bare minimum to survive while we tend to go the extra mile to ensure a good living ... maybe this is not 100% true but that is how it seems to me as well :-)

this is very interesting indeed