Animal Intelligence
Ever notice how they keep moving the goalposts when it comes to animal intelligence vs. human intelligence?
âHumans are completely unique. No other animal uses tools.â
âActually, wild sea otters have been observed using rocks to open shellfish.â
âOkay, but thatâs not true intelligence. They just pick the rocks up; they donât alter them in any way.â
âChimps peel the leaves from sticks to make more effective termite probes.â
âWell, thatâs just technology. Only humans have art.â
âWhat about painting elephants? Art critics often canât tell the difference between their work and a humanâs.â
âOkay fine. But only humans have language. Thatâs the mark of true intelligence.â
âThese African Grey Parrots use hundreds of words correctly and even ask original questions.â
âOh yeah? Well, does any non-human species demonstrate self-awareness?â
âDolphins pass the mirror test without training.â
âPfft. How about problem-solving?â
âI canât keep squirrels out of my bird feeder no matter what I do.â
âAha! Bet you canât think of a species that possesses all these traits! Only humans! Weâre No. 1! Weâre No. 1!â
âCrows.â
âLALALALALA I CANâT HEAR YOOOOUUUUUUUUUâŚâ
Are we smart enough to know how smart animals are? by Frans de Waal explores this exact question and its a fascinating read.




















