Humans Vs. Any Other Species

[peanutlove]

I don't think any species can truly say they are superior or more important than another. As humans we're gifted with intelligence and ability to shape our world, but all life plays an important role. My spiritual beliefs teach compassion for all living things. While humans have responsibility as caretakers of this planet, that doesn't give us rights over other species. If there are forms of life beyond Earth, I believe any civilization would see value in coexistence over domination. There are certainly perspectives beyond my own, but I think maintaining respect for all life is ideal.

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

In your personal opinion, are humans more important than, superior to, or better than other species on this planet or any extraterrestrial life that may exist in the universe?

Why or why not?

What does your religion or philosophy teach about this?

I wouldn't call them "superior", "better" or "more important".

Instead, I would just say that as a human myself, I will subjectively attach more value to humans then to non-humans.
In much the same way as I would attach more value to my own daughter as opposed to some random kid.
In much the same was as I would attach more value to a chimp as opposed to a cat.

It's just "closer to home".

If a building is burning and inside there is my daughter and a random kid, while for some reason I can only save one, I'll save my daughter.
If it is a random kid and a chimp, I'll save the random kid.
If it is a chimp and a cat, I'll save the chimp.
If it is a cat and a salamander, I'll save the cat.
If it is a salamander or a goldfish and there is some risk to entering to try and save either, I'll save neither and safely stay outside.

So imo this isn't really about "objective" superiority, "better" or more important.
It's rather about what I personally value more. And likely it is a result of what I identify with most.

 

[Pete in Panama]

His comment was that the existence of corn was not related to the existence of chickens. Your comment above does not address this.

You're absolutely right, we're all digressing and sinking ourselves into meaningless minutia. This whole tangent began with my comment...

The greatest exaltation for the chickens it to grow and feed humans so humans can grow to serve the spiritual world. We thank the chickens just as the chickens thank the corn they eat and as the corn had once thanked the sun for sustenance.

This is the great circle of life and it is good.

I would prefer we not digress into what chickens really eat, which is (from here):

Select fruits, vegetables and grains will keep chickens happy and ensure they are receiving a nutritionally balanced diet. Good choices include leafy greens, cooked beans, corn, non-sugary cereals and grains, berries, apples and most other fruits and vegetables.​

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--and we stick to the primary thought having to do w/ the circle of life. Imho the progress of beings into higher levels of existence is not only good but in reality sacred.