Why Animals Outshine Humans: Lessons in Loyalty, Simplicity, and Unconditional Love

People frequently admire animals for certain traits that make them “better” than humans, but this is a subjective judgment. Animals have characteristics people admire for being noble, superior, or inspirational, in contrast to our superiority in areas such as culture, abstract thinking, and technology. Many people think animals are superior to humans for the following reasons:

1. Unconditional loyalty and love

Pet dogs and other animals show unfaltering devotion and love. Without asking for anything in return, they provide friendships without passing judgment or harbouring resentment.
Example: A dog’s unwavering devotion to its master, regardless of the owner’s socioeconomic standing, is a comfort in times of need.

2. Coexisting harmoniously with nature

Living in harmony with their surroundings is an innate part of being an animal. By taking only what is necessary for survival, animals also contribute to maintaining ecological harmony.
Example: Through pollination, bees contribute significantly to food production and biodiversity without negatively impacting the environment.

3. Simplicity and happiness

The intricacies of consumerism, social prestige, and cultural demands do not affect animals, allowing them to enjoy simpler lives. Priorities, including food, shelter, and procreation, take the front stage.
Example: Animals, in contrast to humans, do not seek happiness in material accumulation but rather in satisfying their most fundamental needs for existence.

4. Exhibiting honesty and authenticity

The acts and behaviours of animals are sincere. In contrast to the complex ways in which humans sometimes mislead and lie for personal benefit, animals do not engage in such behaviour.
For instance, cats may shy away from someone they dislike, but they would never intentionally put on a show of love just to trick someone.

5. Innate intelligence

The instincts and senses that animals possess are much more evolved than those of humans.
Example: Migrating birds don’t need satellite navigation systems or maps that cover thousands of kilometres. Thanks to their keen noses, dogs can diagnose illnesses and even anticipate seizure activity.

6. Resilience and adaptability

Despite terrible conditions, animals show extraordinary tenacity by swiftly adjusting to their new home.
Example: Camels flourish in deserts, and penguins withstand bitter cold; both animals demonstrate how adaptable they are in environments where people would perish in the absence of modern technology.

7. Non-harmful actions

Animals, in contrast to people, do not willfully cause widespread damage to their habitats. Their contribution to the natural cycle of life is immense since they take just what is necessary.
Example: Wolves play an important role as apex predators in ecosystems by regulating the numbers of prey, which in turn helps plants flourish and biodiversity thrive.

8. Be better at living in the present

Neither the past nor the future is of any concern to animals. One thing humans can learn from them is to be present in the here and now.
Example: A dog, for instance, doesn’t worry about the future or past when it savours a meal or goes for a stroll.

9. No prejudice or discrimination

No matter your socioeconomic status, colour, or religion, animals do not pass judgment. Instead of relying on assumptions, they address people according to their actual experiences.
Example: As long as you treat animals with kindness, they don’t care about your background or how you look.

10. The power of silence and resilience

Animals bear suffering without yelling or pleading for help. People often find inspiration in this composed power.
Example: Animals who are unwell or injured will often try to conceal their discomfort so that they don’t seem weak to potential predators.

11. Instinctive protection

Protecting one’s offspring, territory, or even one’s human partners is an instinctive behaviour for many animals.
Example: Elephant mothers often create a protective circle around their young when they sense danger, an illustration of their dedication to protecting the weak.

12. Unadulterated social structures

Societies in animals often have well-defined duties and responsibilities that help keep members from fighting with one another and guarantee the group’s survival.
Example: The survival of the hive depends on the coordinated efforts of all the bees, from the workers to the queen.

13. Peaceful coexistence

When it comes to large-scale, ideologically motivated conflicts, animals don’t play the role that people do.
Example: While animals may engage in territorial or mating disputes, these fights are often short and containment-based, avoiding extensive damage.

In conclusion, while humans possess unique qualities like creativity, innovation, and complex emotional intelligence, animals embody traits that often seem purer or more admirable. Their loyalty, simplicity, and harmonious existence with nature remind us of values that humans sometimes overlook. Recognizing these qualities can inspire us to live more authentically and sustainably.