Other animals fight for territory or food; but, uniquely in the animal kingdom, human beings fight for their 'beliefs.' The reason is that beliefs guide behavior, which has evolutionary importance among human beings. But at a time when our behavior may well lead us to extinction, I see no reason to assume we have any awareness at all.
In "The Lost World," Michael Crichton highlights how humans are distinct among animals in their propensity to engage in conflicts over beliefs rather than just tangible resources like territory or food. This tendency stems from the profound influence beliefs have on human behavior, which has been crucial for our evolution as a species. Unlike other animals, our motivations extend beyond survival instincts to include ideological battles, leading to complex social dynamics.
Crichton also expresses concern about the implications of this characteristic. He suggests that as our beliefs drive actions that may threaten our existence, there appears to be a troubling lack of self-awareness regarding the consequences of our behavior. This disconnect raises critical questions about our ability to confront the challenges posed by our beliefs and their potential to jeopardize our future.
