A Comparison of Human and Animal Ethics About Protecting Life

Humans are considered the most intelligent and morally aware creatures in the world. We should know better than animals when it comes to making ethical decisions.

Growing up, we used to have different kinds of animals, such as dogs, cats, goats, pigs, and chickens. Back then, we didn't keep the animals in cages or coops. Instead, we let them roam freely and called them over when it was time to feed them. I enjoyed observing some of their behavior toward their offspring, and now I can't help but compare it to some people who are advocating #abortion…

When the hens start laying eggs, they won't let you take any eggs in their watch. When they hatched chicks, we let them wander so that the hens could feed their chicks all day whenever they had to get fed. However, they have to be cautious because predators like eagles lurk around. These eagles would perch in trees or fly overhead, waiting for an opportunity to catch the vulnerable chicks. I noticed our hens' bravery in defending their chicks despite being smaller than the eagles. They would try to ward off the predators and protect their chicks, doing their best not to allow the eagles to come near without a fight. Same with the dogs which also get aggressive when you touch their puppies. It was always touching for me to see how these animals fiercely protect their offspring. Their natural drive to protect their offspring raises the question: Are some animals acting more morally than us humans? We are supposed to be more responsible and accountable which could lead to a more compassionate and cohesive environment. 

Reflecting on this childhood observation and witnessing the unwavering protective nature of animals toward their offspring, one might argue that the purity of instinct can sometimes surpass the complexities of human ethics. Their dedication and determination to life contrasted with some of our current human behavior which is advocating the ending of a developing life. Humans often complicate matters with layers of social constructs and moral dilemmas. We sometimes falter in our decisions, caught in webs of justification that can overlook the fundamental value of life itself which leads us to question when did our intelligence become a double-edged sword? 

Unlike animals which act mainly on instinct and survival, humans supposedly possess higher cognitive abilities, reasoning, a deeper understanding of the value of life, and a sense of right or wrong. We are not merely creatures of instinct; we can reflect, discuss, and ultimately decide on actions that consider the greater good - safeguard our environment, and honor all living beings with dignity. We have higher intelligence and moral awareness comes the responsibility to rise above mere survival and actively contribute positively to a better world. 

By embracing the values of protection, nurture, and self-sacrifice, we can strive to align our actions with our moral obligations. The challenge is bridging the gap between our intelligence and instincts, ensuring that our capacity for ethical reasoning translates into actions that reflect the dignity of all LIFE.