The November issue of National Geographic magazine features a moving photograph of chimpanzees watching as one of their own is wheeled to her burial.
…
Some chimps displayed aggression while others barked in frustration. But perhaps the most stunning reaction was a recurring, almost tangible silence. If one knows chimpanzees, then one knows that [they] are not [usually] silent creatures.
The NGM Blog article mentions:
Since it was published, the picture and story have gone viral, turning up on websites and TV shows and in newspapers around the world.
Somehow the virus missed me, so, while this photograph may not be new, it’s new to me. :) Maybe it’s new to you, too.
We must be careful when we interpret behavior. We don’t even do a good job of interpreting human behavior.
No doubt, we share some emotions, yet our penchant for seeing what we want can be misleading.
Understanding death and its cause is a survival skill, whether emotion, is debatable. This is the same motivator for religious belief, so be wise.
pelagian7:
Yes, you’re right. I suppose this post is presumptuous and indulgent in the ways you suggest. No dessert for me tonight. :(
Have a double serving, perception is reality.
Actually, it’s not presumptuous. Chimps do show empathy, and whole host of other behaviors that are supposed to be the domain of humans only.
http://www.boingboing.net/2009/11/10/sapolskys-outstandin.html
Bobo’s even more so.
Thanks for that video link, Chris, which I really enjoyed watching. I’m easily confused on this topic, to be honest :) I’m not sure how to define and understand (non-human or human) “emotion” in a precise way, for example.
Of course, my favorite part was the idea that one the “uniquiest” aspects of being human is our ability to “simultaneously believe in two contradictory things.”
I remember this line from apologetics class! So, this I understand. Or,… I understand that it’s not understandable?
And, of course, now I need to know if Sister Helen *Prejean* is related to Sister Carrie. :?