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Does anyone know why human beings are the only species on this planet that engage in self-destructive behavior? I think we all know people who are brilliant, but for one reason or other, continue to be their own worst enemies. As far as I know, no other animals on this planet behave like this.

I've been spending a little bit of time lately watching how birds interact. They seem to have a way of peacefully coexisting with other birds. I haven't noticed any of them smoking cigarettes or doing other things that would bring them harm. (i have hit a couple of them driving down the road in what appeared to be kamikaze attacks on my car, but i think that was entirely accidental on their parts...).

What is it about humans, that makes them behave in ways that are obviously -- to everyone but themselves -- not in their best interests? History is replete with examples of remarkably talented people -- from Van Gogh to Elvis to Jimi Hendrix, etc., who were undoubtedly gifted, but somehow haunted by their human experience.

Any ideas?
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quote:
Originally posted by Peace Brother:
Does anyone know why human beings are the only species on this planet that engage in self-destructive behavior? I think we all know people who are brilliant, but for one reason or other, continue to be their own worst enemies. As far as I know, no other animals on this planet behave like this.

I've been spending a little bit of time lately watching how birds interact. They seem to have a way of peacefully coexisting with other birds. I haven't noticed any of them smoking cigarettes or doing other things that would bring them harm. (i have hit a couple of them driving down the road in what appeared to be kamikaze attacks on my car, but i think that was entirely accidental on their parts...).

What is it about humans, that makes them behave in ways that are obviously -- to everyone but themselves -- not in their best interests? History is replete with examples of remarkably talented people -- from Van Gogh to Elvis to Jimi Hendrix, etc., who were undoubtedly gifted, but somehow haunted by their human experience.

Any ideas?


I'm convinced that most humans are NOT brilliant. Most are as dumb as dirt. Smiler
quote:
Originally posted by David L.:
quote:
Originally posted by Peace Brother:
Does anyone know why human beings are the only species on this planet that engage in self-destructive behavior? I think we all know people who are brilliant, but for one reason or other, continue to be their own worst enemies. As far as I know, no other animals on this planet behave like this.

I've been spending a little bit of time lately watching how birds interact. They seem to have a way of peacefully coexisting with other birds. I haven't noticed any of them smoking cigarettes or doing other things that would bring them harm. (i have hit a couple of them driving down the road in what appeared to be kamikaze attacks on my car, but i think that was entirely accidental on their parts...).

What is it about humans, that makes them behave in ways that are obviously -- to everyone but themselves -- not in their best interests? History is replete with examples of remarkably talented people -- from Van Gogh to Elvis to Jimi Hendrix, etc., who were undoubtedly gifted, but somehow haunted by their human experience.

Any ideas?


I'm convinced that most humans are NOT brilliant. Most are as dumb as dirt. Smiler


LOL, DavidL... well said... and you are right, ... MOST only want people to THINK they are smart... Big Grin
quote:
Originally posted by interventor:
Sorry to burst any bubbles.

Those charming songs you hear from our feathered brethren are either calls for mating or warning to others of its species to keep out of its territory.

Each species finds it niche and defends it, while perpetuating their species.



Talk about our feathered friends... most of them find a mate for their LIFETIME, which is another thing Humans refuse to do... because of our self-indulgence, self-worth attitudes... yep, I think this post nails even the best of the best!!!
quote:
A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals and you know it.
Agent Kay

Although humans seem to have mastered the technique of self-destruction, they are by no means the only species to do so. Male lions will kill the offspring of any other male, as will the males of many other species of animals. Other territorial type animals (such as wolverines) will maim and kill to protect breeding or hunting territory.

Unfortunately, most humans seem to echo these traits, and bring even worse ones to the party.
While, I appreciate the sentiment, nature is red of tooth and claw. Mother nature is not a nice warm nanny, but a harsh governess. In my youth, I spent too much time in the mountains of New Mexico and the Smokeys to be sentimental about nature, although I do love it.

Man, while a creature of God, is connected to and part of the natural world.

http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/Birds-Mate-Life.html

"Most of our North American birds do not mate for life. Rather, most pair bonds are formed for a single season. Those birds that pair for a season are referred to as monogamous pairs. Monogamy is one male bird with one female bird through a single nesting cycle."
quote:
Originally posted by Kindred_Spirit:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by interventor:
Sorry to burst any bubbles.



Talk about our feathered friends... most of them find a mate for their LIFETIME, which is another thing Humans refuse to do... because of our self-indulgence, self-worth attitudes... yep, I think this post nails even the best of the best!!!


When I was involved in the Save the TVA trail thing several years ago, I had occasion to meet Tom (whatever) who does bird studies at UNA. According to him , the Carolonia Wren is one of very few birds which have a long-term "relationship" with their mates. DNA studies have shown that many female birds chose a mate, then "fool around" amd have offspring from another.
As I remember what he said (and maybe he may read this and "refresh" my memory) , most birds do not mate for life.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Peace Brother:
Does anyone know why human beings are the only species on this planet that engage in self-destructive behavior? I think we all know people who are brilliant, but for one reason or other, continue to be their own worst enemies. As far as I know, no other animals on this planet behave like this.

Depression and mans way of dealing with it are usually to blame. Van Gogh suffered from depression all his life. Elvis and Hendrix were put on a treadmill and worked hard 24/7. That would depress anyone. Plus, these two men also dealt with their lives with substance abuse - yet another symptom of depression. Animals also can suffer from depression in the form of "separation anxiety". Most often seen when they lose a companion or owner. My grandmothers little dog died shortly after she did. The poor little dog quit eating and slept in my grandmothers bed all the time until one morning my aunt found her dead.
Homo Sapiens act in a self-destructive manner because they are the only species to truly know good and evil. For the record scientists do consider lemming deaths to be a kind of suicide. Also, just for fun, as far as I know there is only one other animal known to dance just for fun (not mating purposes). Think you know which one...it's the the skunk.
quote:
Originally posted by interventor:
Sorry to burst any bubbles.

Those charming songs you hear from our feathered brethren are either calls for mating or warning to others of its species to keep out of its territory.

Each species finds it niche and defends it, while perpetuating their species.

I suppose those are both plausible explanations as to why birds sing so beautifully. I don't pretend to speak their language, but I like to think that sometimes they just sing to greet the world around them -- kinda like they're playing a song for me and the other creatures in hearing distance. Recently I was in my yard watching and listening to several different kinds of birds -- each sharing different branches of the same tree and peacefully coexisting. I only wish that "mankind" could somehow do the same.
quote:
Originally posted by monster:
quote:
Originally posted by Kindred_Spirit:
... most of them find a mate for their LIFETIME, which is another thing Humans refuse to do...
some of us chose to mate for life, but our no count ex ruined that for us. Wink

I'm not quite sure what you're saying here Monster -- the "our no count ex" part kind of lost me. But I think you hit on a good reason why people engage in self-destructive behavior. When someone we trust betrays us, that is one of the most powerful slaps in the face our ego ever experiences. It has happened to me more times than I care to remember, and each time I found myself feeling that I guess I didn't mean as much to that person as I thought I did. And then you get to thinking -- F*** it all! If that person that I trusted could do this horrible thing to me, maybe I'm just not worth too much anyway. Might as well just kill myself. No one would even care anyway. On second thought, instead of killing myself, maybe I'll just go buy a bottle of "feel good juice" and a pack of smokes and just bang a couple of nails in my coffin. At least then maybe I can get some sleep and then I'll see how I feel when I wake up.....

Then hopefully you wake to a brand new day in the morning, hear the birds outside singing their happy songs, and you realize that your own value or worth as a person is not determined by other people. It is a gift from God. And no one can take it away from you.
Monster, you know you're over the ex when they just don't matter. Seriously, live, breathe, or not. It just won't matter. Sometimes I forget I was married to the little ugly guy.

The no count ex didn't keep you from being married for life. She just saved you from being married all of that old life. You still have a ways to go.
There's a story that the Sweetpotato Queen tells about a girl whose husband has just asked for a divorce. She goes through the lunch line at work and the older, more world weary cashier looks at her and says, "Girl, you look like you have man troubles. Ain't a man alive that makes you that sad worth having. Just get another one!" As she also says, when something broke and she'd cry, "they're making them thangs ever day. just get another'n."

So, forget the broad, they're making them thangs ever day, and git another'n!

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