By John Horton, M.D.

Rhesus Monkeys, dolphins, have wonderful qualities. Social, emotional, perhaps intellectual.
So what’s so special about Human Beings?

When I was a pre-med at Colombia University, the professor of zoology there was very interested in evolution. He made a strong argument that birds can be considered more evolved than humans – because of their social structure, tremendous diversity and ability to adapt to all sorts of geographies. He contrasted that with the chaos and seemingly un-ending conflicts among human beings.

As a student I was fascinated: Is that really true?

At the same time, I was majoring in Asian studies. Asian cultures talk about human wisdom and the human quality of inner life. Confucius talks about the qualities of the “Human Self”, such as kindness, joy, tranquility, gratitude.

Do animals have these qualities? And do humans have the ability to not only have these qualities but evolve them?

What was it that allowed Nelson Mandela, who emerged un-crushed after 27 years in prison, to say: ” For the political prisoners, determination and wisdom overcame fear and human frailty” ? When I read his biography I saw the daily effort to evolve; these qualities of wisdom are so fascinating to me. I look at my own effort, and those of patients in very difficult situations, and see that it takes tremendous work — but every step of the endeavor is as real and enjoyable as learning to walk and talk.

These efforts are part of our evolutionary potential.