Us, the “intelligent” animals
It was 1:30 am. I was looking at an unfamiliar ceiling, in an unfamiliar room, with an unfamiliar woman lying on my chest. It was a Tinder date that ended up into a somewhat one night stand. It was a bit more than a one night stand as it turned to a few more. As we cuddled, we got into some deep discussions. She was a feminist but the kind of feminist that you could have an open ended discussion with. The kind of feminist that would be open to argue about it, the true kind of feminist; she didn’t hate men.
As we laid there, we talked about things, random things, from life to human existence. Myself, in my mid thirties, still trying to find a meaning in life, I tend to fall down a rabbit hole and get into discussions that to some people may seem too much. Ideas and thoughts that people tend to find weird or out of the norm. For me, it was an unexpected night. I went out with really low expectations— have a drink, chat, head home, end up on my couch. That was the plan. She had bigger plans — not something that I can complain about. That’s what the conversation ended being about. Our basic instincts. I do not remember how we ended up talking about it, but as we laid there, naked in bed, that’s what we ended up talking about.
We seemed to be in a somewhat disagreement. You see… what I tend to believe, is that we, humans, are just glorified animals. Giving too much credit to our so called intelligence. We are just animals, with some education, rules, expectations, trying to act as higher beings. My argument was that our behaviours as intelligent beings, does not distinguish us from that of animals. We are as animals as animals can be. We want to pretend that we have ambitions, dreams, intelligence, we want to act like we have beliefs, morals, ideas and ethics, but deep down; we are just raw, animals.
What I mean by that? Well, as we laid there, and we talked about how great it was, and how we felt connection and all the typical, superficial discussions came about, I focused on one thing that no one focuses on, “…after a while you will cross me out from your list”. Why? She asked. Well, I went to explain to her my way of thinking, my animalistic theory. As animals, males have the basic animal instincts; being the alpha male, we are seeking for sex and in turn reproduction. Females, on the other hand (not far away from men) have their own basic instincts: choosing the alpha male, sex and in turn reproduction. It’s in our genes to spread our seed and it’s in their genes to seek motherhood; just like animals.
However you view this, whatever intelligence and logic you put on human beings, the basic instincts is what take over and control our life. There are exceptions, indeed they are, but they are the exceptions. The ones that are focused on a goal, that produce works of art, provide to the society and focus their life to give humanity a better tomorrow — but if you look closely at these successful human beings; sexual desire is not their focus on life, they are not controlled by animalistic behaviours. The majority though — we are all filthy animals, trying to be intelligent and smart. This intelligence, which is mainly a human trait, in combination with our basic animal instincts has caused some serious issues in how humans function and get on with their day to day lives. This combo has caused some very complex social expectations and pressure towards both sexes. It has caused women to become overprotective, somewhat defensive, and in many cases caused men to feel weak and sidelined.
Look at lions. Mating is a process; the males compete with each other, to show who the alpha male is, so they can win over a suitable female lioness and mate. This is not only limited to lions. The majority of animals have the same unwritten rules; a competition of the alpha males to win over the most desired females. We are not so different. As we laid there and I made this comparison, I continued to add, that as soon as she sees a weakness she will dispose of me and move to the next one. She was adamant; “no, not everyone is like that, I am not like that.” It ends up, the majority of women are like that as they seek for the strongest male. A few weeks later, as I opened up to her, she slowly started withdrawing. You see, I am not the exact model of an alpha male. I do have weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Thus, a few weeks later, she found an excuse, she was gone. No reason to try and argue with her that I was right.
What I am trying to get to, is that we are all acting like higher beings. An intelligent species, us, the humans, that have moved from the animal state, into a higher, more intellectual level. No, we did not. The majority of us, are just pure animals. Following our basic instincts, hindering us from progress, from making rational decisions. We are just glorified animals trying to act as intellectual beings. Point of the story? Focus on more fulfilling thoughts and goals in your life than the casual relationship and the sexual desire, and you will manage to achieve the unachievable.