What Separates Us from Animals?
If you asked a group of people if they considered themselves to be animals, I think it’s safe to say most of them would say no. Of course, there would be a few who would try to be clever and scientific by saying that humans are technically animals, as if we all don’t already know that. But I think most people would say they would consider themselves to be different from animals. Why is that? Is it our separation from nature? Could it be our advanced social interactions? Some religious beliefs say that humans have souls, and animals do not, so could that be it? Maybe it's our use of tools? It’s an interesting thing to think about. I think the most compelling difference between humans and animals revolves around our self-awareness. Sure, there is not really a definitive way to test for self-awareness in animals right now (or at least not that I know of). But with a few exceptions (cetaceans, apes, etc.), I think it is a safe bet to say that