Josephus, because homo sapiens is not the centre of life in the universe and not special or specially selected by some mythical creature, doesn't mean that the species is not of higher intelligence than an insect, not with a higher responsibility than a reptile and not with higher purpose than a bird. If homo sapiens didn't exist, and we've only existed for about 60,000 to 100,000 or so years, then the meaning of life would STILL exist and the point of it all (meaning the point of everything in existence) would still exist. The presence of our species is no more or no less meaningful than the presence of the Sun, the oceans, the planets, other civilizations elsewhere in the cosmos etc. Like everything else in existence, homo sapiens is a part of the processes of nature

Josephus,

"Humans do have a higher intelligence, a higher responsibility and a higher purpose..."

They're also as savage and destructive as they are compassionate and constructive.....intelligent, but lacking, for the most part, wisdom.

'evening to you PESKY BOY...

Wow, now you're getting quite deep with your reasoning. And I reckon 'you're on the money' so to speak. If we 'spoilt' humans ceased to exist, nothing would change much I suspect. Creatures would still be born, they'd live their allotted time, subject to the foibles of their species, and then they'd die ? It would make no real difference to the insect world either as an example, whether or not, us humans ever existed, with our highly toxic sprays etc. ?

We're an arrogant lot when you think about it ! We believe the whole world would cease to exist, if we humans became extinct ? It's little wonder, snakes wish to bite us, as do bears, lions even, in fact, all the true 'heavies' of the animal world tend to dislike us immensely.

Why you might well enquire ? Because we humans believe we're indispensable, the answer to everything important, and it's simply not true. Ask your average (big) salt-water crocodile ? If they have any respect for the average humanoid ? I could only imagine his response, dripping with sarcasm and sneering derision ! Most of those in the animal world, believe humans are simply arrogant, and very selfish bastards ! Hiding behind their large, big bore express rifles, and with the smallest of minds, and a restricted intellect.

That's the honest judgement of your average big 'salty' croc., many of which reside quietly in the murky shallows of some swampy estuary not too far from beautiful downtown Darwin ! All of natures big predators, have been unmercifully hunted by us humans for years ? And would you believe we humans have the temerity to call hunting a sport ! Good grief...Hunting is the only sport, where your competition doesn't know they're playing...! And you might ask, whether or not, the other occupants of this planet would miss us humans, should we become extinct ? Not likely I'd believe ? There'd be a massive celebration !

Hi there ONTHEBEACH...

Not a bit my friend, I always value highly anything you say, you have this unique knack of being able to 'tease out' much of the data where others are unfortunately left floundering. On the occasion where I don't quite understand what another contributor is attempting to impart. I often read your response, and in so doing, manage to grasp much of what the writer is attempting to convey ?

It's for this reason ONTHEBEACH, that I possess considerable deference for your views and much of what you write. Notwithstanding that I don't necessarily agree with your sentiments that are contained within the corporeality of your topic ? No, it's your spirit that I admire greatly, and your courage in defence of your own opinion, that I find most praiseworthy and exemplary. Particularly, when you're 'under fire', as it were ONTHEBEACH. Again, many thanks old man.

Good evening to you SONOFGLOIN...

My profound apologies, may I attempt to respond to your thread tomorrow, I have a roaring headache at this time ? I'm sorry.

Humans are the only species who have moral and social laws that they break and other humans administer and restrain, punish and condemn. We have the ability to evaluate abstract and complex ideas, and write them down for history. Perhaps o sung wu you see crocks as superior because they eat humans for a meal. I suggest perhaps you could reason with them before eating you. We have been able to do this with humans in New Guinea, I have a friend whose father was a head hunter before accepting Christ who changed his mind.