Can Animals Be Inhuman?

Often, we attribute our darkest impulses and behaviors to the human condition, as if other living beings are exempt from such inhuman acts. However, nature is not always gentle, and some creatures engage in actions that might be considered inhuman. Let's delve into why and how animals can exhibit inhuman behavior, and why humans might be uniquely capable of such deeds.

Observing Inhuman Behaviors in Animals

Sea otters have been observed raping baby seals. In some cases, these attacks can result in the death of the young seal. Similarly, chimpanzees, known for their complex social structures, occasionally resort to violent conflicts where leaders are ambushed and sometimes killed. Male lions, after taking over a pride from another leader, often kill the cubs fathered by their predecessor. These are just a few examples of the cruelties found in the natural world.

Can Non-Humans Be Inhuman?

Some argue that only humans can be truly inhuman. This notion is a false premise. In truth, non-human beings can also demonstrate inhuman behavior. Let's examine the definition of inhuman to better understand.

inhuman (adjective): 1a: lacking pity, kindness, or mercy; SAVAGE

Example: an inhuman tyrant

his usual quiet almost inhuman courtesy— F. Tennyson Jess

Based on this definition, it becomes clear that non-human beings can indeed be inhuman. Thus, the idea that only humans can exhibit such behavior is both limiting and inaccurate.

Human Capacity for Moral and Spiritual Development

While animals may engage in inhuman acts, humans possess a unique capacity for moral and spiritual development. Unlike animals, humans can use their raw capacities— such as emotions, intellect, and personal growth— through the aid of education, true religion, and the guiding force of the brain to cultivate these faculties and attain a state of morality. This journey further enables individuals to explore spiritual states beyond the mere survival instincts seen in non-human life.

One of the key differences between humans and animals is the capacity to feel empathy, guilt, and the ability to understand abstract concepts. Animals may exhibit aggression or cruelty, but they do not have the same capacity for deep emotional and moral reasoning that humans possess. Humans can reflect on their actions, take responsibility, and strive for a higher moral and spiritual state.

Conclusion

Thus, while animals can demonstrate behavior that may be considered inhuman, it is the human capacity for self-reflection, moral reasoning, and spiritual development that truly sets us apart. This does not mean that humans are inherently inhuman, but rather that we have the unique ability to rise above our baser instincts and strive for a more ethical and spiritual existence.