Introduction
Humans have long been the rulers of all creation. We are above all other animals on this Earth. We completely and totally rule over all creatures. Even though we may share some characteristics, and even some anatomical similarities, humans and animals are vastly different. The term Animal as described in the dictionary means a living organism other than humans which feeds and usually has sense organs and a nervous system and can move. Animals include a vast majority of species. Humans belong to Homo Sapiens and are bipedal species. This means that the humans walk around using their two rear limbs.
Twenty (20) Differences Between Man And Animal
Difference between man and animal
- Humans bury their dead out of respect. When a human dies, we all feel sad emotions if we felt a strong bond with that person. We often have elaborate burial ceremonies to show respect for our dead. However, animals rarely do such a thing. Only a few animals have been observed to throw a few leaves on their dead. But animals do not routinely bury their dead like us humans.
- Animals are mostly driven on instincts. We humans also have instincts, however, we can control them much better. We are mostly driven by reason. Animals are driven much more by instincts and only use some reasoning.
- Humans are aware of “self,” and contemplate the afterlife. Other animals do not think of the afterlife. They tend to live in the “now.” They live in the heat of the moment. Their main goals all day long are to eat, sleep, mate, and survive. Humans, however, spend a lot of time thinking of the future, past, and present. We think about ourselves and how we relate to life. We think of what happens when we die
- Humans feel a sense of right and wrong and good and evil. We all have a basic conscience. Animals kill and never think twice. They kill for food, and they kill based on instincts. They do not stop to think about if they have “sinned.” When a human murders another human, it is out of evil pre-meditation. We know better, but we murder someone anyways. That is a huge difference. Most animals kill purely to eat, or to defend themselves.
- Humans have a complex language and communication method– Humans can talk, write, read facial expressions, gestures, and more. Some can even speak multiple languages. Animals do communicate, but they cannot communicate with the level of a human.
- Humans use their brains in much more complex ways– The cognitive abilities of a human compared to an animal is incredible. Humans can critically think, invent, find solutions to problems, and much more. Animals are much more simple-minded.
- Technology– We humans have the ability to quickly learn new technology and adapt and use that technology. We can create machines and computers that help us to do work more efficiently. Even the most complex animals do not share this feature. The only tool you will likely ever see animal use is a stick or a rock. And even then they look confused and clumsy with it.
- The only man walks upright in an erect posture. Man can walk comfortably and naturally on two feet. This is his normal posture. Monkeys, apes, bears, chipmunks and other animals may occasionally walk on two feet, but this is not their normal mode of transportation. They usually move on all fours.
- The brain of a human is normally two or three times larger than the brain of the largest ape, which is the gorilla.
- Man’s body is relatively hairless. Monkeys and apes are very hairy. Some evolutionists refer to a man as “the naked ape.” However, have you ever seen a naked ape (an ape not covered by hair)? Apes by definition are very hairy. If a man is not hairy, then he must not be an ape!
- The human nose has a prominent bridge and an elongated tip which is lacking in the apes. [God knew that some of us would one day need to wear glasses, and so He formed us in such a way that we would have a place to hang them!]
- Man’s arms are very short in comparison to the arms of monkeys and apes. The arms of apes hang down to the ground and like its legs, are used for transportation.
- Man’s head is balanced on top of his spinal column. The head of the ape is hinged at the front instead of on top. Instead of having the head balanced on top of the spinal column as in humans, the heads of apes project forward. Also, there is a great difference between men and apes in the way the spine is curved. Men have what is called the “lumbar curve;” apes do not.
- The chromosome count differs between men and apes. The chromosome number of man is 46. The chimpanzee and the gorilla have a count of 48.
- Only man can be educated. Animals cannot be truly educated, they can only be trained. You will not find animals in schools (except for fish!).
- Only men are able to train and tame other animals (see James 3:7). Have you ever heard of an ape training a lion? Only people have pets! Have you ever heard of a zoo operated by a zebra? Only people operate zoos!
- Only men wear clothes. Man is the only creature that looks inappropriate unclothed. All the animals look silly in clothes! (Penguins do not really wear tuxedos).
- Only man can enjoy the blessings and benefits of the incarnation. When God came to this earth, He became a man (John 1:14), not an animal. Only men need to be saved. Christ came into the world to save sinful men, not animals (l Tim.1:15). Christ died on the cross for our sins (1 Cor. 15:3), not for the sins of animals.
- Men are the only creatures that are able to make use of history and accumulate knowledge for the generations that will follow. Animals are not able to pass on any information to the next generation. Each monkey must learn about the world just as his parents had to learn. Men can pick up a book and learn from brilliant men of the past and can benefit from their past wisdom and discoveries. Men can build upon the knowledge of past generations. Animals cannot.
- Monkeys have thumbs on their feet as well as on their hands, which really helps in climbing trees (they can grab with their feet as well as with their hands). The human thumb is proportionately longer than those of apes and man can oppose his thumb to his fingers whereas apes and monkeys cannot. Without this uniquely designed hand, no ape could be competent in using tools. The ape lacks the dexterity that humans enjoy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, comparing a human to an animal is like comparing a car to a bicycle. We can do so much more. We have the brains that are superior and allow us to accomplish all of this. We were created in the image of God. Animals are very fascinating creatures. They are very interesting to observe and are even fun as pets. But we humans have the upper hand.