Are We too Similar to the Chimpanzees?

"Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind."– Henry James

Guess what, we humans are not the only ones, on this planet, that act aggressively toward our own. We are not alone in that respect. In fact, Lions, chimpanzees, spotted hyenas and wolves also have no difficulty killing their own.  So, aggression is common to us all.

 Jane Goodall, in her Tanzania research, made these observations in her study of the chimpanzee. Likely, there are some similarities that will get your attention. In fact, you might think that these observations pertain to the human race and not the chimpanzee: 1. Their killings are mostly carried out by males. 2. Their killers tend to be part of small gangs attacking the more vulnerable .3. They often, when encountering a stranger who is vulnerable, attack them. 4. The bigger or larger groups seem to dominate the smaller ones 5. They seem to attack others to acquire more or extra territory. Source: Wall Street Journal January 5-6, 2013.

It is difficult to argue that humans do not have the potential to be violent animals. Just    put an automatic assault weapon in our hands and look out.  It seems to me that some or additional gun regulations might be a step in the right direction as far as reducing human death. I agree that gun regulations, by itself, are not the sole answer to this problem. Thank goodness that human qualities and institutions have the potential to quell the violence among the governed. Hopefully, this Congress will do the right thing as far as the assault weapon is concerned .if that happens, would it not suggest that we humans have evolved?

As far as health is concerned, Olympic medal winners live an average of 2.8 years longer than the general population according to a study that researched the games going back to 1896. In fact those sports with high cardiovascular intensity such as cycling lived longer than those in sports with low cardiovascular intensity such as curling.  Also an 11% higher risk of death was found among those who competed in contact sports such as boxing or rugby.

If it’s too late to be an Olympic medal winner, not all is lost. Do you have the potential to engage in physical activity? If you do, then by all means pick your activity carefully and begin.

Remember, to run for your life because it’s good for you. I’m sure if you asked Secretariat he would agree.