It is funny how some people feel so high and mighty for belonging in the category of the highest form of animals. What’s funnier is we use the word “animalistic” as an insult. Technically speaking, we are animals (nonhuman animals). Animals and humans are not so different; however, what sets us apart from them is our “ethics”. We think that “moral principles” (we so take pride in) is the greatest chasm there is as it is our compass to becoming absolute moral beings. Animals don’t live by any of our principles or at least that’s how we assume them to be. For this reason, some people think it is only appropriate to look down on animals and treat them like savages—mindless and heartless. The difference that stands between men and animals is not an excuse to treat the latter relentlessly. After all, we are “moral beings”. But, are animals really mindless and heartless? If they are, they still do not deserve any immoral treatments by a “moral being”. If not, what then are the similarities between men and animals? Animals and Humans Are Not So Different Marc Bekoff is a biologist who explains why we should treat animals with compassion and respect in his book Animals Matter. He quoted, “Let us remember that animals are not mere resources for human consumption. They are splendid beings in their own right, who have evolved alongside us as co-inheritors of all the beauty and abundance of life on this planet.” Through keen observation, we are able to discern that animals also display character traits of a person. Although there are a lot of them, these are the common character traits we can observe in animals: Loyal and faithful Cooperative Fair Playful Smart Compassionate Shy Courageous Affectionate Resourceful Inquisitive It is obvious that we are different from nonhuman animals; however, they are not lesser than us. In fact, their abilities surpass our own in terms of heightened physical senses, sense of direction, and awesome physical abilities. Yet we hold power over them due to the evolved (and still evolving) ways of human activities—industrial and mechanical evolution. We should always treat our fellow inhabitants with dignity, respect, and compassion. Animals are not mindless, nor are they heartless. They feel. This is enough reason to protect and care for them. Read the full article