{"id":12216,"date":"2024-04-08T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-08T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/holistic.news\/en\/?p=12216"},"modified":"2026-01-08T14:54:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T13:54:23","slug":"what-can-humans-learn-from-animals-how-a-dog-changed-my-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/holistic.news\/en\/what-can-humans-learn-from-animals-how-a-dog-changed-my-life\/","title":{"rendered":"What Can Humans Learn from Animals? How a Dog Changed My Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A dog cowering in fear yet gazing longingly at a human is a heart-rending sight, common in animal shelters. Here, dogs frequently bear the scars of human cruelty. This phenomenon starkly contrasts with humans\u2019 proclaimed superiority over other species. Humans, who pride themselves on being at the top of the species hierarchy, can paradoxically exhibit the most cruel behaviors towards animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Misplaced Superiority Complex<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Societies worldwide display a range of attitudes towards animals. While many individuals treat animals with respect and recognize their emotional capacities, others staunchly oppose anthropomorphizing animals, perceiving it as over-attachment or misdirected empathy. This divide extends to the point where organizations fighting against animal cruelty are sometimes labeled as extremist. Those dedicating time and resources to rescuing animals often face societal scorn, seen as eccentric for their compassion. If humans claim supremacy over other life forms, shouldn\u2019t a fundamental respect for all life be a universal value? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humans, atop the evolutionary ladder and food chain, do not need to compete with animals for resources. Yet, instances of cruelty often stem from a fragile human ego, perceiving dominance over animals as a validation of superiority. This narcissistic trait in human psychology leads to the belittling of other species, manifesting in cruelty and sometimes even the killing of animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tina Nord \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Urge to Kill<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Acts of deliberate cruelty towards animals, especially those involving premeditated harm, highlight a disturbing aspect of human psychology. There is no justification for cruelty. It is difficult to comprehend the reasoning of a person who deliberately plans a \u2018punishment\u2019 for an animal, devising tools and methods of \u2018execution.\u2019 Such behavior<\/a> raises questions about the right of humans to claim superiority over all creation. No other species harms and kills for reasons other than hunger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Negating animal dignity can be a form of defense mechanism designed to protect the consciousness from the discomfort of hunting. Excessive empathy indeed might have once hindered people from obtaining food when they had to kill personally. However, today killing is not necessary for survival, especially of animals that can bestow us with unconditional trust and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend:<\/strong> Respect or Die: Why Human Survival Depends on How We View Nature<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Dog\u2019s Heart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dogs have served humans since the dawn of history, initially partnering with Siberian hunters. Their bond with humans was based on utilizing their hunting instinct, which they managed to control, showing absolute obedience. Today, a well-trained dog exhibits incredible loyalty to its owner. This can be observed in both aggressive breeds, which defend their owners relentlessly, and in so-called family dogs, who love spending time with their family in endless play or simply waiting for moments of affection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are stories of dogs showing<\/a> signs of severe depression after the death of their long-time owners. In Krak\u00f3w, a monument stands for D\u017cok (Jock \u2013 ed.), a dog who waited for a year at the spot where his owner died under mysterious circumstances. Hachiko, a symbol of boundless loyalty, is another example. He used to see his owner off to the train station every morning and wait for him in the afternoon. After his owner\u2019s sudden death in 1925, Hachiko continued to wait at the station every afternoon for ten years until his own death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience as a Source of Reality Perception<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We do not know what goes on in the human mind, let alone the inner world of animals. Why do we assume that our lesser brethren do not have souls? And how do we know that, paraphrasing a movie title, dogs do not go to heaven? Religions originating from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam teach that humans are the highest divine creation. However, this does not necessitate belittling other species and is even a severe misunderstanding of the human\u2019s responsibility towards the creation. Yet, assigning post-mortem life to animals is sometimes seen as blasphemous. However, the cultural and historical contexts of these religions must be considered. Even Jesus Christ was depicted in prophetic writings as the \u2018lamb led to slaughter,\u2019 a perfect and pleasing sacrifice to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lesser Brethren<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Among the pantheon of Catholic saints, Francis of Assisi stands out, widely revered as the patron saint of animals. A notable tale recounts his encounter with a farmer who was beating a stubborn donkey. Francis addressed the animal, which promptly heeded him. He then imparted to the owner a lesson in compassion: more can be achieved through love than force. While this legend ostensibly pertains to human relationships, it underscores a significant tenet in the Christian tradition: a special regard for animals and a primary duty not to harm them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend: <\/strong>The myth that humans are evil by nature falls<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ecology is Not Ideology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is difficult to appease those who occasionally protest against the infiltration of the \u2018leftist ideology\u2019 into the Church, especially when the current pontiff, Pope Francis, preaches in synergy with political-social factions fighting for the natural environment. Engaging in discussion with people who take the Bible\u2019s words \u2018and have dominion over all creatures\u2019 literally and without context is challenging and often provokes aggression. However, our imperative remains to leave the Earth in a state fit for habitation by future generations. The first step towards a life aligned with the principle of \u2018do no harm\u2019 should be to nurture our \u2018lesser brethren\u2019 with care. For if we, as homo sapiens, lack empathy for our most loyal companions, how can we profess to \u2018love our enemies\u2019?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch more:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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