Mad Cows, Livid Lambs and Angry Elephants
August 21st, 2008
I read this article from the Telegraph with much fascination.
Did you really think Fluffy the Pomeranian likes wearing those "Oh, but it's so cuuuuuute!"-type of doggy clothing? Singapore is already so hot, and they already got so much hair - must wear clothes meh?
But Fluffy never complains. Or does she? What really goes on behind their big, black, eyes? Do they think? Do they feel? I think they do.
"Oh, but you're committing the sin of anthropomorphism!"
Am I? Am I really? Who are we, as human beings to think that we are the only sentient beings on the planet? Who taught us that? Education? Religion?
What would happen if you saw - as a child - your family being massacred? And to add insult to the injury, your house is burnt down, and you are then forced to work for the very same murderers who killed your parents and burnt your home.
Well, that is exactly what happens to many baby elephants. If they are pissed, I sure ain't surprised.
Humans, in our hubris, have ignored our fellow creatures for too long. Yes, we may be intelligent, yes we may have technology and all that jazz. But when is too much considered too much?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not taking the moral high ground here. I do like my creature comforts as well - who doesn't? But I believe the key is Moderation and Consideration. Take only what we need, not take everything - just because.
Food for thought, eh?
It's about time we learnt some respect. The world doesn't revolve around us.
Go read the article if you haven't. It's definitely an interesting read, heh :)
Marauding elephants, aggressive sea lions, snap-happy crocodiles... As animal attacks on humans reach frightening levels, scientists are beginning to understand exactly what the beasts are thinking. And it's not good. [more...]
Did you really think Fluffy the Pomeranian likes wearing those "Oh, but it's so cuuuuuute!"-type of doggy clothing? Singapore is already so hot, and they already got so much hair - must wear clothes meh?
But Fluffy never complains. Or does she? What really goes on behind their big, black, eyes? Do they think? Do they feel? I think they do.
"Oh, but you're committing the sin of anthropomorphism!"
Am I? Am I really? Who are we, as human beings to think that we are the only sentient beings on the planet? Who taught us that? Education? Religion?
What would happen if you saw - as a child - your family being massacred? And to add insult to the injury, your house is burnt down, and you are then forced to work for the very same murderers who killed your parents and burnt your home.
Well, that is exactly what happens to many baby elephants. If they are pissed, I sure ain't surprised.
Humans, in our hubris, have ignored our fellow creatures for too long. Yes, we may be intelligent, yes we may have technology and all that jazz. But when is too much considered too much?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not taking the moral high ground here. I do like my creature comforts as well - who doesn't? But I believe the key is Moderation and Consideration. Take only what we need, not take everything - just because.
'Animals have the same capacity that we do, in terms of emotions and what we consider to be high-mindedness and moral integrity. In fact, I'd argue they have more, because they haven't done to us what we've done to them. That's a sobering thought. It's amazing that all the animals are as benign as they are. It's amazing their restraint. Why aren't they picking up guns?'
Food for thought, eh?
It's about time we learnt some respect. The world doesn't revolve around us.
Go read the article if you haven't. It's definitely an interesting read, heh :)
