The Human Animal (Humans)

by David Turell , Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 18:34 (5581 days ago) @ dhw


> Just in case anyone thinks this is proof that humans are "special", let me sing a hymn of praise - no punk band backing I'm afraid - to ants, which knock us sideways when it comes to altruism. - You are now springing Edward O. Wilson on us. His 'right' or 'permission' to have us accept his comments "on human nature" (his book, 1978) cannot be granted on my part because he studies ants and ant societal relationships. Ants are purely instinct. Wilson blames our altruism on religiosity, that dangerous aspect of our thinking, whereas Robert Wright in "Non-Zero" (2000) feels it is our growing intellect, consciousness, and sense of cooperative socialization while we have freedom of choice, and can learn from bad choices. I'm on Wright's side. - 
> And a message to Matt: I'm sure I'm not the only one anxious to know how your exams went. I will type better if I can uncross my fingers. - My toes are crossed while seated, so I can type. But if I remember, the scores come out several weeks after the test. I suppose they are still curving the test and giving percentage scores.