QQC #1

Quote: "To a mind ready for mythology, he was the beginning of what is meant by godlike." (Ishmael 18).

Question: How do animals perceive humans and our abilities/behavior?

Comment: This quote really made me wonder about animal opinions of us. Throughout history, it's generally accepted that humans have viewed animals as either lesser beings than us (given our belief we have a right to own them as pets), or as superior to us (such as the ancient Egyptians worshipping of cats). Humans are either higher or lower than them, but not equal. We do not treat animals as we would treat fellow human beings. In domestic animals, we give them love and affection, or punish and hurt them, but we don't hold true conversations with them. They don't go to school, or get paid to work...we provide them with everything they need to live. There are some pet owners truly devoted to giving their pets the most humane experience as possible, but all the while, they realize their pets are still just animals. With this in mind, how do animals feel? When they see us filling their bowl with food, do they see as godlike? They realize we provide them with what they need, and in essence, control their lives, but how do they feel about it? Do they, like Ishmael, appreciate what we do for them and how we incorporate them within society? Or do they resent us for dominating them? Do they see our abilities (like reading, watching tv...) and envy us? Do they pity us?! The mind is boggled.