Nature is moral, religions are reminders

NATURE/SPIRITUALITY  [Report] Franz de Waal, awesome researcher into bonobos and their great likenesses to humans (e.g. flatter faces, and over and above chimpanzees by far, bonobos, like humans, are more disposed to make love, not war) now has research to document also the goodness—morality—of other primates than bonobos. Chimps show compassion, remorse, and grief (e.g., a whole troop not eating for a day in response to the death of a troop member). Capuchin monkeys will choose to gain a treat that leads to their friend/neighbor monkey also being given a treat rather than just randomly, or even preferentially choosing any treat. De Waal says that nature is moral, that religion does not create morality, but that religion may be needed to help maintain and foster natural morality. Apparently, this annoys both atheists and religious fundamentalists alike. [opinion] I couldn’t agree more heartily with Dr. de Waal. I have long said that the Ten Commandments are reminders to do the right thing, and function as an antidote to human creativity. Too easily, we word-based, symbol-based humans can make up new rules: wrong rules, ugly rules, stupid rules. Does this mean that our fellow creatures are more moral than we? Hmmm. Good question. Religions everywhere, found in every culture, try to help people come back to the natural, balanced path. Our fellow creatures don’t need religion. Or do they? Honestly, I am always preaching some degree of ethics and manners to my horse, other horses, the barn cat, and various barn dogs. I do this preaching by way of using emotions [see my book “Celebrate Your Emotions” at my website http://www.ssurfyoursoul.com ], words (to help me focus), imagery (to better communicate the territory I am addressing) and of course sounds (growls, ssst’s, clicks, etc). Am I being a religious leader to my animal friends? And they to me? Hmmm.

 

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