Animal to Human

At one point in time, I was watching many movies related to nature and came to know more about the lives of animals through them. As everyone knows, countless animals and birds depend on killing other creatures for their food—there isn’t any other way for them. This is what we generally call the law of the jungle*. I also noticed their tremendous efforts in expressing themselves, especially when competing for a mate. To me, these efforts appear like showcasing their best qualities—through sounds, growls, and various displays-than competition. Typical humans see them as competition. They also set their territories with their sounds and other means, in most cases, it appears like mutual understanding and they honor each other’s boundaries.

When I observe human society, I notice a similar trend. Humans kill other species, like hens and goats, and also compete for a mate, accumulate properties, and mark their own territories. But I also notice a different trend, rare but present—some people flow with life, giving their attention to the present moment. Their priority is expressing themselves, and for such people, it’s as if everything they need—food, shelter, property, life partners (not just a mate)—comes to them effortlessly. Whatever is necessary to continue their self-expression simply appears as long as they have that enthusiasm.

In the first trend, I see a narrow sense of self, or ego; just like animals and birds, these people are primarily focused on themselves. It feels as if such people are in the initial phase of the evolutionary journey from other species into humans. In the other trend, there is less attention given to the self; instead, these individuals thrive every moment, focusing on their expression. This absence of focus on self seems like an egoless state—an advanced phase of evolution from other species into humans—where the divine* expresses itself more. As we continue to evolve, ego fades and this divinity becomes more apparent. At its peaks, we see personalities like Krishna, Jesus, Mohammed, Ramana Maharshi, Osho, Bruce Lipton and many more.

All of us have the same potential as those famous personalities; we just need to learn how to direct our mind in that direction. For example, if I continuously watch violent movies, my thoughts drift in that direction and I become more animalistic. If I listen directly* to great personalities, I evolve in that direction. At a certain point, I start listening to myself, not to anyone else—then my full potential finds its way to expression.

*Directly: We can listen to famous personalities directly, but not through their followers. Followers may help us get some idea, but their interpretations are not the true essence of these personalities. Violence in the current society is proof of this—as whatever has arisen in the name of these figures are now the main factors behind much of the violence happening today.

*Divine: I refer actions delivered in egoless state are divine.

*Law of Jungle: I have observed the immense love that a lioness shows toward her babies, or a crocodile toward its young, but at the same time, these animals will readily kill the offspring of another species for their own survival. In the case of animals, we may not call this selfishness—it is simply their way of life and essential for their survival. But if a human behaves in the same way, it is definitely called selfishness. The design of an animal’s body does not allow it to go beyond its current state, so there’s no point in judging them. However, humans have bodies and minds with the potential to evolve far beyond basic instincts. That’s why, when humans continue to follow the law of the jungle, it cannot be justified in the same way.

Selfishness in humans should not be blamed or condemned—it is natural. At the same time, the human mind often feels a sense of lowliness somewhere in the background. This feeling of being low (which can arise in many situations, not just in moments of selfishness) should not simply lead to frustration, but can serve as a reminder that the human body and mind have far greater potential—to grow beyond this basic state. Many of the animal-like traits displayed by humans, especially by those in positions of power (not just political, but also religious authorities, government officials, and others), are actually signals—both for themselves and those around them—to recognize and evolve. For example, if a politician is looting, it is helpful to examine if, in one’s own domain—as an officer, a spouse, a parent, or even as a common person exploiting government schemes—similar tendencies exist. These moments are reminders and opportunities for growth and evolution.