If not us, what else?

Posted by stephnauf on 01-02-2008 in Are humans the most valuable organisms on the planet?

I personally define valuable as being linked with the capacity to do good. While “good” may be seen as arbitrary, I believe it involves being morally upright (which can also be left to interpretation) and being capable of benefiting the planet.

Disclaimers aside, I think we can all agree that humans are the only beings with the full capacity to act based on moral judgment. If we are given a meal, and our hungry friend is not, we are inclined to share because we have a conscience that gives us the idea to do so.

Now beyond a mother bringing food for her children, which biologists know is more a biological drive than a conscientious act, this concept of principles guiding actions does not play out in animals or in other organisms. Dogs, while commended for being loyal, do not have moral understanding. They, like other animals, can kill their prey without qualms.

Humans kill their prey and understand the implications. They pollute the environment and understand the harm they are inflicting. And they attempt to make amends for their actions. We have PETA; we have Greenpeace.

We may not be wonderful, but we have the morality to realize our shortcomings. We have the capacity to strive to fix our faults. We lock athletes away for killing their dogs, and hand out prizes to politicians who preach energy conservation.

Someone mentioned that plants are wonderful because of photosynthesis. I agree. Photosynthesis is necessary to our life on Earth. But there is a difference between having purpose and having value. Plants are purposeful, but their value is not par to the value that humans have. Humans can care for these plants, and grow more of them to benefit the Earth. Plants cannot plant humans.

We are a terrible race: we kill our brothers, we are wasteful, and we are arrogant.
But we are also a great race. Our capabilities are what render us valuable.

We can take care of the planet like no other organism can.