‘Top of the Pyramid?’
CAERS Substack Article #51
When you think about it, humans are not all that well adapted for life on the earth. We don’t have thick skin like a hippo, horns like a rhino or massive teeth like a lion. We are not tall like a giraffe, fast like a cheetah or have the bulk of an elephant or the strength of an ox.
Neither can we swim like a fish, fly like a bird or survive underground like many insects. We are warm-blooded, unlike reptiles and amphibians who can tolerate large metabolic swings. We don’t even have thick fur like a bear, nor can we hibernate. We really only have one thing going for us: our ability to think, our mind. With that, we can solve problems that might otherwise be fatal for a species so devoid of ways to defend itself in such a harsh and somewhat unforgiving environment.
It is estimated that over ten billion species have existed on the planet, and more than 99% have not endured, mostly because of natural calamities that occurred long before humans arrived. So, it is rather miraculous that we arose as a species and are still here. As far as we can tell, we are able to think rationally and creatively at a level that is orders of magnitude greater than any other species. No other creatures introspect or explore the universe to the degree that we do. Some would ask, is the existence of only one species with those capabilities an accident? Or as others might believe, an unfortunate accident for the planet?
Perhaps the answer is yes to both questions. Or maybe nature, evolution, cosmic consciousness, God or whatever it is that is responsible for our existence (if such responsibility can be taken), made a grand mistake in allowing it to happen, or even orchestrating it to happen?
It is unsatisfying for me to believe that the beautiful and complex universe we inhabit is defined by purely fortuitous randomness, or that our existence is a massive cosmic blunder. I would agree that humans have not done a great job with the opportunity that we have been given. But that does not necessarily mean that being given such an opportunity was a grave error. Instead, I think it means that we must do better, and using our minds more wisely would be a very good start.
As much as feelings and emotions are critical for our enjoyment of life, alone they seem inadequate to surmount the challenges we face not only to survive but to flourish. I think that there is a definite correlation between our ability to think and the existence of our moral compass. Both involve the capacity to reflect and to ask important questions. In particular, they facilitate the recognition of narcissistic and selfish behaviours, and guide us to more altruistic ones.
Has our approach to the pandemic been a good balance of well-placed emotion and creative thinking to find the best ways to cope? Has our collective fear been sufficiently controlled so as not overwhelm the intuitive and rational reflection necessary to find the best solutions possible?
My next articles will explore the principles we use in the practice of medicine. Because of what is at stake, few disciplines challenge us with the raw emotions that health care does. As I hope to illustrate, balancing the compassion such emotions inspire with clear-headed thinking usually provides the best results.
J. Barry Engelhardt MD (retired) MHSc (bioethics)
CAERS Health Intake Facilitator