Evolution

Evolution. Depending on your beliefs, you would either reel back in utter disgust or show forth a genuine smile of hope. First pieced together into a cohesive theory by Sir Charles Darwin, it immediately evoked a sense of horror among some that we were descended from apes while stirring up optimism in others that we will adapt and improve. The sciences, religion, philosophy and every known professional field were called upon to take their stand and fervently defend it. As a result, the arguments from both sides were, albeit irrefutable and highly convincing, nevertheless unrelated. It was akin to comparing a computer gamer with a violinist and coming to a conclusion as to who would win in a boxing match. As such, if I were to add my opinion to this argument, what good would it do? And so, it is not to the age-old bandwagon that I desire to jump upon. Instead, it is to a point largely agreed upon by most people that I wish to contend with. There is a deep-rooted mindset that the differentiating factor that sets humans apart from animal is intelligence, which we clearly possess. However, I wish to propose another more appropriate factor -- our ability to lie.


It is commonly agreed upon that dolphins are highly intelligent. They are able to, through a series of clicks and whistles, communicate millions of messages to one another. Similarly, bees are able to organise large groups of themselves to achieve a common aim like harvesting pollen from a particular field of flowers or defend the hive. Consider that the criteria set forward for intelligence is largely linked to the ability to communicate and create, to organise and achieve complex goals. Clearly, although the animal kingdom do lack in certain of these aspects, they are not far behind. It is therefore sensible to rethink the idea that intelligence sets humans in a completely distinct class of their own. It is perhaps a different embodiment of intelligence that really sets us apart and not intelligence per se.


On the other hand, there is something special about puppies and cats that make them so lovable as pets. Many people are enticed by the honesty that these creatures possess. The wagging of the tail is a telltale sign of happiness, the listlessness one of sadness. Documentary film-makers are able to predict when a lion is going to strike, where a lion is going to ambush its prey and even the tactics that they employ. Often, they are proven correct. Animals appear to be unable to lie, being driven largely and in most cases, solely, by instinct. Of course, one may argue that most insects use mimicry, to name one of the many tricks employed in the animal kingdom -- does that not constitute lying? In some way, it does, if you define lying as the act of concealing truth. However, lying, as defined by most dictionaries, include a certain element of deceptive intent. To be more direct to the issue at hand, animals that engage in mimicry do it by natural instruction. For a specific species, the method of trickery is constant, although it admittedly varies from species to species.


Humans, however, possess a vast array of tricks. They are social chameleons, able to assimilate into any situation smoothly. From the boorish, overbearing figure at home, many men become the charming, suave character in business meetings. Often, the humans who are more adept at this skill tend to achieve greater success. These humans then gain a reputable status, attaining the right and responsibility to teach techniques of deception to other humans. This is cleverly disguised as etiquette courses and confidence-inspiring workshops. There are two sets of people humans lie to in life: to others and to themselves. The greatest liers convince themselves of their own ability and affirms their own worth. They are the most confident people that you see on the street. They refuse to acknowledge their weaknesses. They portray an image that is far from their true self. Yet, it works. Consider then that confidence has been shown to be invariably proportional to success. We are then led to the conclusion that the more convincing you can lie, the more successful you will be.


Clearly then, the skill of lying would improve with subsequent generations as this art is practiced and continually improved over time. Intelligence, on the other hand, still remains tightly woven into your genes. It must here be noted that most modern methods of measuring intelligence is in truth only a real measure of cleverness, as David W. Orr proposes in his publication, Earth in Mind. Cleverness, of course can easily be improved with greater memorisation skills which can in turn be improved via the workshops and courses that cater to this method of disguising cleverness as intelligence. It is generally accepted that intelligence, measured by the Intelligence Quotient (IQ), changes negligibly during one's lifetime. Hence, while lying increases exponentially, intelligence does not.


Are we humans still unique because of our intelligence? Perhaps indeed we are, for even the dolphins do not make new scientific findings on a monthly basis. But perhaps, we are more unique still because we are able to lie.