Today there are a lot of theories on how we came into existence. Ranging from Charles Darwin's theory on natural selection to Lamarck's theory of use and disuse, to the ancient Greek philosophers theories and discovery of fossils and scientific evidence on the existence of Ape like ancestors over six million years. Proof from Archaeological knowledge also shows that there were about 15-20 different species of the ancient man.
I remember once reading a book by professor Thomas Suddendorf "THE GAP :- The Science Of What Separates Us From Other Animals ". He stated " by establishing the presence and absence of mental traits in various animals, we can create a better understanding of the evolution in mind".
As humans there are a few physical traits that separate us from animals,( considering that the apes are the closest in terms of a lot of determining factors). Anatomically, we posses a lot of features:- well developed shoulders, bipedal ability( ability to walk properly on two legs) , we posses well developed limbs, we lack numerous skin hairs like those present in apes ,well developed auditory canals , well equipped digestive systems, reproductive systems, circulatory systems, excretory systems. We have better cognitive, and intellectual reasoning, better social skills , communicating skills, ability to speak.
But these are just the anatomically definitions of being human. some believe that what makes us human goes deeper than anatomy, it comes from the sense of understanding and love. psychologically, it boils down to reasoning and" our open minded ability to imagine and reflect on different situations" as stated by Suddendorf. The possession of a higher developed brain, because what differentiates us from the apes, we both have basic functions, they produce young ones and also care for them, they protect their territories, they feed, they breathe,excrete,and communicate among themselves but they cannot think like the humans or feel like the humans .
Human nature is also said to be associated with cultural believes. The diverse cultures is then linked with the motivations and characters of humans after all you are what you believe you are.There are mythologies and religious doctrines that portray humans as special creatures, created by a supreme being, this mythologies have proven more stand on answering the question than the theories proposed on this same subject matter till date.
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