PUBLIC OPINION > Atheists Think Apes Can Outthink Humans; Christians, Not So Much
SodaHead News
2012/06/26 15:00:00
Scientists are investing an increasing amount of time and money into the study of animal cognition, and with nearly every new investment comes a new discovery. More and more, it's becoming apparent that we've been underestimating animals, and that's especially true with apes. Recently, studies have shown that there is only a 1.3% difference between human DNA and the DNA of a bonobo ape. We asked the public if apes could possibly outthink humans.
Believe it or not, this was a split decision. Maybe apes can outthink humans, after all. Some respondents did take this as an opportunity to joke about specific types of people, but there were plenty of serious believers. In fact, some suggested maybe other animals can outthink humans, too. Of course, it depends on the person as much as the animal. As many respondents were adamant that it's just not plausible.
Drinkers Don't Think So
Drinkers were a good 16% less likely to believe that apes can outthink humans. Interestingly enough, alcohol is one thing apes have in common with humans. Some species of monkey that have been exposed to alcohol not only enjoy the substance, but express as many attitudes toward alcohol as humans. Some just drink to relax, some become addicted, and some won't touch the stuff.
Atheists Are Convinced
In some ways, this poll is predisposed to intrigue some people, and turn others off. A major tenet of some religions, particularly western religions, is that humans were created special. On the other hand, a major tenet of science is that humans evolved directly from apes. Where you stand on that paradigm is likely to affect how you respond to the question.
Men Have No Faith in Monkeys
Men were a bit more reluctant to agree that apes could ever outthink humans, while women were a bit more willing. It could be that men have a little more pride in human achievement, or it could be that women can better see the flaws in human achievement. It's not a huge difference, though, so whatever the reason, it's of marginal value.
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about apes. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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volodymyr sereda sereda 2012/06/26 16:03:17
+14*Watches as the idiotic comments flood in, especially those attacking atheists for their beliefs.*
The fact that you have to resort to racist statements to get your point across shows exactly how weak the argument is. Take a breath, go to school, learn more about the world around you. You might learn some incredible things. Like the fact that apes are incredibly intelligent.
Haaahaaahaa...that is so SToooPID. Grunt sum more...if it makes you happy...but a language will still NOT exist.
Did you ever hear, for instance, about Galdikas who studied orangutans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... By the way, other than white people are not less good in science ...
dumb animals who you won't be calling over to you house to repair, much less build any thing in yer trailer...
and unlike on Disney,,they ain't talking, singing or mingling together. They are one anothers FOOD
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
Furthermore, white people are not more intelligent than other races ...
yeah..ummm...great observation...but thats not the argument here. White people, like you, elevating DUMB animals to the status of humans are
gee whiz..
Are not 'zoologist' formally 'educated', which is just another word for INDOCTRINATED...then by that very definition...they are BRAINWASHED...
its right in front of yer eyes....
still laughing...heh heh heh...
FOOL.
Everything you think you know is a LIE
Give you an example.
Drove an NASCAR racer this morning...don't listen to anyone tell its its fun, exciting and anyone (females) can do it..yeah yeah.. that what they say on the brochure to get you to buy the package.
Its dirty, its cramp, its a heavy car and its DANGEROUS. I'm 6'4" 210 lbs... and it was hard for me to wrestle with the car. (wonder why Danica Patrick can't win) But the person slinging it even at the orientation never said those words. A lower form of indoctrination for sure. But the thought is now there and not one person who drove the cars said what i said after words...they said it was fun exciting and blah blah...exactly what they were told
if you knew how easy it was to hypnotize/indoctrinate a person you would be scared...and as a matter of fact i can UNEQUIVOCALLY state you are hypnotize right now. and i will unequivocally state the most brainwashed people are the ones with college degrees..like..zoologist...
and they tell US to think exactly as they were told...just like at the NASCAR orientation
If you mean the sales people, don't be surprised, they will try to sell their product to you - it is their job after all, and they must sell or they lose their job. You may be sure that they are no indoctrinated zombies. But if they have fun, it does not mean that you will have fun too. Everybody is different. And a limited driving space becomes problematic for tall people.
The problem is that sales people must be able and qualified to convince eventually interested people that their product is good, because they must earn their living. And there is much competition.
It is the same principle like advertisement, which is even more some kind of "indoctrination" of the public. All this advertisement everywhere raises needs for many unnecessary articles or labels. And many people consume more than they want to.
That is our consumption society.
Why do you think that advertisement and propaganda are so agressive and ubiquitous?
At least, you could try the racing car and find out that you were not happy with it. If the salesman or saleswoman insists, you can turn him or her down and simply say that you don't want the car.
On the other hand, scientists invest years of study, wo...
If you mean the sales people, don't be surprised, they will try to sell their product to you - it is their job after all, and they must sell or they lose their job. You may be sure that they are no indoctrinated zombies. But if they have fun, it does not mean that you will have fun too. Everybody is different. And a limited driving space becomes problematic for tall people.
The problem is that sales people must be able and qualified to convince eventually interested people that their product is good, because they must earn their living. And there is much competition.
It is the same principle like advertisement, which is even more some kind of "indoctrination" of the public. All this advertisement everywhere raises needs for many unnecessary articles or labels. And many people consume more than they want to.
That is our consumption society.
Why do you think that advertisement and propaganda are so agressive and ubiquitous?
At least, you could try the racing car and find out that you were not happy with it. If the salesman or saleswoman insists, you can turn him or her down and simply say that you don't want the car.
On the other hand, scientists invest years of study, work and analyses in their domain. I know quite a few scientists and engineers specialised in diverse sectors, like chemists, biologists, environmentalists, nano-technologists, etc., and they are not indoctrinated, they are simply motivated. And zoologists have the same motivation, they like their sector and their research work.
If you want to see indoctrinated people, look at certain fanatics and extremists.
And don't worry, if the car experience was not positive, you will certainly find another activity or item which is fun for you.
the same with Apes being smart..it is said, believed and parroted..and thus repeated by those who were told such by those in charge. i.e.-educated Zoologists....
Authority is a form of hypnotism... and the easiest way...
The 'educated' are the heaviest indoctrinated/brainwashed....... about it...and all they do is repeat what THEY are told....
its freaking hilarious....
You are already hypnotized...you don't believe me...i understand..
here go see for you self...
http://www.fhu.com/stream/sun...
Go to minute 62:00 and watch for yerself....then tell me what you think...
have fun
Having a conviction or motivation does not mean that you are brainwashed. Zoologists are certainly not brainwashed. Or do you consider that the whole world is brainwashed by education?
heeeheeeheee..and YOU are brainwashed by them
ain't that a bitch
They are dumb animals...and because i am NOT brainwashed by BS...that is EXACTLY what i call them..
The eat, poop and fornicate...not build roads, computers or civilization..
Zoologist are indoctrinated with courses that demand they equate an animal existence with intelligence... then they parrot the same to you...passed down idiocy. Its survival..not intelligence.
SURVIVAL is not intelligence it is adaption aka Darwinism...
and even if a person has jumped thru the hoops like a trained monkey to get the credit of Zoologist attached to his name. It doesn't mean a thing if it was a lie to begin with
You been DUPED...and now its not about him being a liar but you looking like a gullible idiot for believing an OBVIOUS lie... cuz if human beings detest one thing above all others,,its being WRONG.
heh heh heh.. welcome to the world of hypnotization..it is done so subtly no one realize it has already happened...
and NO its not funny...its REAL
You seem to hate the animals and people, or you never observed them really.
You do not need to be a zoologist to see how intelligent certain animals are, without training. And their performances are sometimes surprising.
Of course, they are programmed to survive. Beavers, for instance, are building dams. Or did you ever see a termite's nest, all climatised?
There is no brainwashing - it is observation and enthousiasm.
You should see an emission presented by David Attenborough!
and all is where it was before
Maybe that you manage to change your views about animals and people.
maybe you should get a CLUE
cuz i'm conversing with a loosah like you...
i view it as charity work. Its the least i can do to give back to the world..the very least
Disagreeing with prevailing but inaccurate Liberal assumptions has NOTHING to do with being lonely, sad or being in need of sympathy. You need to re-assess your philosophy so that is uplifting not depressing. Empowering not weakening. Liberalism/communism does nothing but reduce females to whiny wimps or shrill shrews. Read some Any Rand
Woman up girl...and good luck
The Return of the Primitive: The Anti-Industrial Revolution while you are at it.
haaaahaaaahaaa
I'd rather cite our Lord Jesus: "Pater dimitte illis, non enim sciunt quid faciunt."
Maybe that true Christians will remember that.
I would prefer if you said humans, as men were not alone!
Men create languages...
too bad that hurts