Denailing, boiling to death in a boiler, putting needles below the nails, brutal beatings, waterboarding, electroshocks, stress positions, sleep deprivation, starvation, and temperature extremes. As I am writing this article, a minimum of tens of thousands of people are undergoing this “humane” treatment (even because of the Russo-Ukrainian War). So are humans worse than animals?
Unprecedented economic social inequality, someone is starved or dehydrated to death. Or dies because of lack of adequate healthcare, forced labor, running for life, conflict zones (danger from violence), refugee camps without proper needs, gross corruption, wars (local/global), and domestic violence.
After reading this, someone may conclude that humans are really worse than animals.
Concentration camps for animals
No doubt, our ancestors bred animals even 10,000 years ago. We got rich (depending on where you live) because of scientific progress and (so unbelievable) societal progress, which made us able to make scientific inquiries. Yet, we built up camps for the infinite suffering of infinite animals.
Billions of chickens are raised for meat (broilers) and egg production (layers) each year, the global population of pigs is also in the billions, another billion of sheep, a billion of goats, and a billion of ducks. And around a quarter billion turkeys. Millions of cattle are bred for beef and dairy production.
Even if only one of 10,000 livestock was tortured (and that is grossly incorrect), the history of meat consumption is far worse than the Holocaust in absolute terms. The human tragedy was finite in time, this is infinite.
Brutal treatment in factory farms and a double standard
Nearly everyone had seen some video of animals having been brutally tortured on a factory farm. I may disappoint you. This is the rule, not an exception.
It was a few days ago the Czech Republic had seen a case of a man somehow torturing, and then killing a cat.
Are humans worse than animals? What people wished for the sadistic man was beyond comprehension. Three meals a day and brutal beatings for the rest of his life.
But here we go to the double standard. People do eat meat and the meat isn’t falling from the sky. Well, the torture factories are completely legal.
Then we have ritual slaughters. Kosher and Halal. Do you think people give a f**k when eating it?
But the cat killer has gotten it a big time!
Concentration camps for humans
Nazi camps, gulags, prisons – actually in the modern era (this didn’t exist in the Middle Ages). They are either extermination ones or just incarceration ones.
In Latin American jail, you must pay in order to survive. Some people have been living in prisons (or North Korean camps) since they were born. So they are tortured all the time in their lifetime.
Humans worse than animals: survival of the fittest, selfish genes
As the great United States of America is full of good, polite, and humane people (excluding the largest portion of my readers who are from America who don’t fit this irony) they somehow let happen that no money simply means death.
Without health insurance, individuals may not afford necessary medical treatments. Also, preventative care, or emergency services, lead to untreated conditions and fatal outcomes.
Even with insurance, high out-of-pocket costs for medical care, medications, and procedures can prevent individuals from seeking necessary treatment. All of it may result in worsening health or death.
People living in poorly maintained or unsafe housing conditions may face health hazards like mold, lead poisoning, or exposure to extreme temperatures, which can lead to serious health problems or fatalities.
Areas with high crime rates and inadequate social services may see increased violence, contributing to higher injury and mortality rates among residents.
Now let’s go to developing countries
Limited healthcare infrastructure and resources can prevent individuals from receiving necessary medical care. This leads to untreated illnesses and higher mortality rates.
Inadequate prenatal and postnatal care, along with poor access to safe childbirth facilities, contributes to high maternal and infant mortality rates.
Widespread food insecurity and inadequate nutrition lead to malnutrition, stunted growth, and increased vulnerability to diseases, particularly among children.
Many communities lack access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation, resulting in frequent disease outbreaks and health complications.
Poorly equipped or underfunded emergency services can delay critical medical intervention, increasing the risk of preventable deaths.
High levels of poverty and unemployment can prevent individuals from affording essential services, including healthcare, leading to worsened health outcomes.
High costs or lack of availability of essential medicines and vaccines can prevent treatment of diseases and contribute to high mortality rates.
Limited access to vaccines and immunization programs can result in outbreaks of preventable diseases, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates.
Out of any proportions economic inequality
Out of all proportions, economic inequality exists. A few super-rich families (the media often refers to them as “Wall Street”) own the majority of the wealth on this planet. In undeveloped countries, people suffer from hunger, thirst, and lack of basic needs.
Even developed countries (especially the US) have populations under enormous economic strain. I am not a Marxist, socialist, or communist. However, some (please note “SOME”) of their ideas sadly have relevance in our era.
Competing with each other in these days: evolutionary biology and psychology perspective
From the perspective of evolutionary psychology and evolutionary biology, human competition is deeply rooted in the drive to enhance survival and reproductive success. Today, competition manifests in several key areas, reflecting both historical pressures and contemporary contexts.
Resource acquisition
Resource acquisition remains a fundamental aspect of competition. In the modern world, this translates into competition for economic resources such as income, property, and consumer goods. Access to these resources often leads to improved living conditions and greater opportunities for personal and familial advancement. Individuals and groups that can secure and effectively manage these resources generally enjoy better quality of life and enhanced prospects for success.
Social status
Social status is another crucial arena of competition. Achieving and maintaining high social status can significantly impact one’s access to resources, social networks, and professional opportunities. In contemporary settings, individuals often compete to build their reputation, gain influence, and establish their standing within social or professional circles. This social positioning can open doors to better resources and advantageous opportunities, reinforcing one’s status and influence.
Mate selection
Mate selection remains a central focus, with competition often centered around attracting and retaining desirable partners. In today’s context, this competition involves showcasing physical attractiveness, professional success, and the ability to provide a stable and supportive environment. Traits such as career achievement and financial stability are highly valued. They are perceived as indicators of potential for a successful partnership and future family life.
Reproductive success
Reproductive success continues to be a significant area of competition, though it is expressed through modern practices. Individuals strive to demonstrate their suitability as parents through various means, including their ability to offer emotional support, financial stability, and a nurturing environment. In contemporary societies, access to parental resources and involvement in family life are key factors in enhancing reproductive success and ensuring the well-being of offspring.
Social and cultural capital
Social and cultural capital also plays a vital role in modern competition. Individuals compete to acquire and display skills, knowledge, and achievements that enhance their social value and influence. This includes excelling in professional fields, contributing to cultural or intellectual endeavors, and establishing a strong personal brand. Success in these areas can significantly impact one’s social standing and opportunities.
Leadership and group membership
Leadership and group membership are critical areas of competition. Within organizations and communities, individuals vie for leadership roles and prominent positions. Effective leadership can lead to increased influence, resources, and opportunities for personal and group advancement. Competition for high-status roles within groups or networks is common, as these positions often offer greater access to resources and influence.
Health and longevity
Health and longevity are increasingly important in modern competition. Individuals compete to maintain good health and access high-quality healthcare services. Physical fitness, preventive care, and access to medical resources are crucial for ensuring a long and healthy life, which in turn can impact overall well-being and personal success.
These competitive behaviors reflect ongoing evolutionary pressures adapted to contemporary conditions. While the contexts and methods may have evolved, the fundamental drive to secure resources, enhance social status, and ensure reproductive success remains central to human behavior.
We got so far. What else is humankind capable of?
Genocide: systematic extermination of entire ethnic, national, or religious groups, such as the Holocaust during World War II, the Rwandan Genocide, and the Armenian Genocide.
Slavery and human trafficking: enslavement and exploitation of individuals for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of modern-day slavery.
War crimes: violations of the laws and customs of war, including targeting civilians, committing sexual violence, and using prohibited weapons, as seen in conflicts like the Vietnam War and various recent conflicts.
Humans worse than animals: Set #1
Ethnic cleansing: forced removal or displacement of ethnic or religious groups from a particular area, often accompanied by violence and abuse.
Child exploitation: abuse, trafficking, and forced labor of children, including child soldiers, child sex trafficking, and child labor in hazardous conditions.
Terrorism: deliberate acts of violence intended to create fear, cause mass casualties, and achieve political or ideological goals, such as the September 11 attacks.
Human experimentation: conducting medical or psychological experiments on humans without consent, often with harmful or lethal outcomes, as in the Tuskegee Syphilis Study or Nazi medical experiments.
Humans worse than animals: Set #2
Repression and persecution: systematic repression of political dissidents, activists, and marginalized groups, including forced disappearances, imprisonment without trial, and other forms of political violence.
Mass starvation: deliberate or neglectful actions that lead to famine and widespread starvation, often used as a tool of war or political repression.
Medical neglect: systematic denial of healthcare and medical treatment, leading to unnecessary suffering and death, particularly in regions with inadequate health infrastructure.
Mass rape and sexual violence: systematic and widespread sexual violence used as a weapon of war or repression, such as during the Bosnian War and in conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Institutionalized discrimination: systemic racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination that lead to pervasive inequality, marginalization, and denial of rights, seen in practices like apartheid in South Africa and segregation in the United States.
Enforced disappearances: The practice of secretly abducting individuals and denying their existence or whereabouts, often used to silence political opponents or activists.
Humans worse than animals: Set #3
Mass incarceration and prison abuses: over-incarceration and the mistreatment of prisoners, including inhumane conditions, forced labor, and denial of basic rights, particularly in countries with harsh penal systems.
Censorship and suppression of free speech: government or institutional suppression of freedom of expression, including censorship of the press, persecution of journalists, and punishment of dissent.
Exploitation of migrants and refugees: abusive treatment of migrants and refugees, including exploitation, denial of asylum, and harsh living conditions in detention centers.
Bioweapons and chemical warfare: use of biological or chemical agents in warfare that cause indiscriminate harm to populations, such as chemical attacks in Syria or the use of anthrax.
Child marriage and forced marriage: coercing minors or individuals into marriage, often resulting in lifelong harm and denial of personal freedom and education.
Organ trafficking: illegal trade of human organs, often involving coercion, deceit, and severe exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Forced prostitution: coercion or manipulation of individuals into sex work, often through trafficking and abuse, depriving them of autonomy and safety.
Medical apartheid: systematic exclusion of certain groups from access to medical care or experimental treatments, leading to disparities in health outcomes and denial of necessary services.
Destruction of livelihoods: intentional or negligent actions that destroy the means of subsistence for entire communities, such as through warfare or economic policies.
Violence against LGBTQ+ individuals: systematic discrimination, persecution, and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, including hate crimes and state-sanctioned violence.
Humans worse than animals: Set #4
Forced confessions and judicial torture: coerced confessions obtained through torture or threats, leading to wrongful convictions and severe human rights abuses.
Targeted assassinations: deliberate killing of political figures, activists, or dissenters by state or non-state actors, often to silence opposition or exert control.
Mass surveillance and privacy violations: widespread government or corporate surveillance that infringes on privacy rights and can be used to suppress dissent or control populations.
Famine as a weapon of war: deliberate use of starvation and famine as a tool of warfare to weaken or punish civilian populations, such as the siege tactics used in various conflicts.
Denial of refugee rights: inhumane treatment and denial of rights to refugees, including inadequate living conditions, lack of legal protection, and forced repatriation.
Political repression and oppression: suppression of political opposition, including imprisonment, torture, and execution of political dissidents by authoritarian regimes.
Unlawful detentions and arbitrary arrests: detaining individuals without legal justification or due process, often used to silence political opposition or dissent.
No, animals are worse than humans!
After reading this? No, humans are better than animals! The Czech language has the term “zvěrstva” which could be loosely translated as “animalities” (atrocities, barbarities, savage acts, cruelties, inhumanities). It, of course, implies that humans are better.
Animals have simplistic morality. But what kind of morality?
Animals often establish social hierarchies to maintain order and reduce conflict. These hierarchies involve dominance and submission behaviors that help regulate interactions within groups. While they can help organize social structures, they may also involve aggressive or submissive behaviors.
Many animals use play and grooming to reinforce social bonds and resolve conflicts. These behaviors contribute to group cohesion and can prevent violent confrontations by fostering positive relationships among members.
Some species use punishment or reinforcement to enforce social norms and regulate behavior. For example, certain primates may display aggression to maintain order or resolve disputes, helping to uphold group dynamics.
The greatest philosophical question in this topic: right or wrong?
While I am nearly convinced our moral system is closer to moral nihilism than perfect scientific-made morality, I (unlike philosopher Alex Rosenberg) do make a difference between right and wrong.
While it is a lottery who will be born (100 trillion possible combinations), how good a life he or she will live, when she or he dies, and so on, we do have a moral system.
Right or wrong makes a complex moral system
Moral actions A don’t lead to event B that could alter C results. I must emphasize that human actions (moral system) are extremely complex. Person A could have averted divorce (not his own) that would alter the psychological state of the affected children that they therefore didn’t have their own children which ruined the lives of 4 people (that didn’t exist), but also saved one person because one of the children would have otherwise become a murderer. Properly allocated resources from one family would lead to more people being born in another family. GDP would be given how to increase happiness. But these were just examples.
This just confirms my ideas we are close to moral nihilism, but we have established the moral system I describe in the following text.
We do cooperate and have complex hierarchies
Without being able to cooperate, no roads, bridges, food, computers wouldn’t exist. No economy, educational system, agriculture, etc.
Even no primitive hunter-gathering societies wouldn’t have been able to exist.
Our submissive-dominant relationships can form complex hierarchies that thrive on selfishness but are moral and even their morality can be described as a common good (from the common morality standpoint).
Reciprocial altruism
Of course, this is not thanks to our recent development, but an evolutionary given thing.
Stocks, jobs, loans, mortgages, buying things, able to create complex hierarchies would not exist.
Reciprocal altruism has enabled humans to engage in global cooperation, addressing challenges that affect the entire planet, such as climate change, pandemics, and poverty. International organizations, treaties, and alliances are examples of how reciprocal altruism scales up to address issues that no single group or nation can tackle alone.
Science and technological progress
It is our morality that we have gotten so far. Science and technological progress would be impossible in animals even if they possessed intelligence that is strange to humankind.
Longetivity; satisfaction with life; enhanced survival; comfort and quality of life; shelter and architecture (modern construction techniques have enabled the creation of durable, safe, and comfortable homes that protect against environmental hazards); heating and cooling: innovations in climate control, such as central heating and air conditioning, allow for comfortable living conditions in a wide range of environments; transportation (the invention of vehicles, trains, airplanes, and ships has revolutionized travel, making it faster, safer, and more accessible); preventive medicine (vaccination programs and public health initiatives have eradicated or controlled many diseases that once decimated populations, such as smallpox and polio); instant global communication (the advent of the internet, social media, and instant messaging has revolutionized communication, allowing people to connect and share information across the globe in real-time); and artificial intelligence and automation.
Modern economy
Does the modern economy make us moral? You think I am joking. No, all the fruits of labor are something animals don’t have. All the comfort the vast majority of people on this planet are experiencing.
It has improved living standards across the globe, bringing about advancements that have transformed daily life. Technological innovations have made healthcare more accessible, extended life expectancy, and provided greater access to education. People today enjoy a higher quality of life, with conveniences and comforts that were unimaginable in the past. The availability of a vast array of goods and services has made life more efficient and comfortable, demonstrating how economic growth has directly contributed to better living conditions.
Global trade and interconnectedness are other key fruits of the modern economy. The integration of international markets has allowed countries to specialize in their strengths, boosting economic growth and lifting millions out of poverty, particularly in developing nations. This interconnectedness has also fostered cultural exchange and collaboration, creating a more interdependent world where mutual understanding and cooperation are more prevalent. The global supply chain has become a cornerstone of modern prosperity, enabling the efficient movement of resources and goods across borders.
Innovation is perhaps the most transformative aspect of the modern economy. The rapid pace of technological progress has created new industries, such as the digital and information economies, which drive growth and productivity. These advancements have empowered individuals with greater access to information, skills, and opportunities, fostering economic and social mobility. People now have more flexibility and control over their careers, and the barriers to entrepreneurship have been lowered, allowing more individuals to participate in and benefit from the economy. This continuous cycle of innovation and opportunity has made the modern economy a powerful engine for progress and global development.
We help each other and have a moral system that tries to be altruistic
A witness to a car accident? You try to offer first aid, call the emergency system. And yes, such a system didn’t exist nearly all the time the humans are in existence.
The paramedics and doctors are paid. But the whole system is based on morality.
In prehistory, people behave better to each other than animals. When a man was attacked by a pack of wolves, he received help.
Our ancestors knew very well that animals are worse
Why? Because they were victims of possible predation, slowly dying because of an animal.
Animals have basically no right or wrong instincts, they just go and kill you.
Your dog or cat has no empathy despite being friendly
This may disappoint you, but even though this is not fully scientifically explored, the conclusion is as follows: your dog or cat wouldn’t mind killing someone, and THEY DON’T CARE.
What is nature? And how cruel it is?
Now you getting to know that humans are not worse than animals. In nature, species compete for survival, spreading their selfish genes.
Animals devour each other, they don’t care if another one is ill and needs help. Events like earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and tsunamis are natural phenomena that can cause widespread destruction, suffering, and death. These events often occur without warning, leaving creatures, including humans, vulnerable to their devastating effects.
Not only there is predatory, but also parasitism. Well, even though there were two world wars, humans are not worse than animals.
Nature once again: Suffer or die
In nature, resources such as food, water, and shelter are often limited. This scarcity leads to intense competition among individuals and species, where the weak are often pushed out, starve, or fail to reproduce.
Nature is indifferent to the suffering of individuals. Animals may die slowly from starvation, injury, or illness, with no intervention or relief. This harsh reality reflects the brutal and uncaring aspect of natural processes.
In many species, older individuals are often pushed out of the group or left behind when they can no longer keep up. This can lead to a lonely and painful death, as the elderly are more vulnerable to predators, disease, and starvation.
Destruction of nature as a benefit? A flip: humans worse than animals?
I don’t care what you think, my moral compass is the following: can you prevent suffering? Then act like it.
If our moral compass is directed to ease suffering and make everything liveable for being with consciousness, there are questions about what to do with nature.
This is a fine example of how immature, and evil (even though better than animals) people are. They don’t mind the stunning evil that is happening in every agricultural field, in forests, bushes, or savannas.
You will object our existence depends on nature. Yes, but this can be replaced.
Conclusion
While there is unbelievable evil caused by the human species – and people are animals as well (even though this article applies the dichotomy) – humans have the ability to create a dynamic, livable, and (compared to nature) relatively suffering-free society. This is precisely the kind of society that animals are unable to create. We keep animals as pets, and while they are domesticated, they essentially have no morals, no empathy, nothing that contributes to human-like morality. In the end, I will be bold: humans are much better than animals.
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