The Koyal Group Warning Signals
Netherlands
A squirrel lies motionless in the middle of a street, its guts splattered out of its body, seemingly crushed beneath a car as it tried to cross over. In the past I've seen raccoons, pigeons and even cats in this pathetic state, and often wondered what if a person crossing the street was even hit by a vehicle. I know. All hell would break loose, emergency vehicles flashing red lights and sirens would be dispersed and inevitably criminal charges will be laid against the driver.
So why aren't other sentient beings receiving the same respect as humans? You see, every single creature on the planet has a role to play, but just because humans don't see the intrinsic characteristics, they tend to treat the other creatures with disregard. Perhaps the reductionist society in which we live has brainwashed us into believing that we're superior and more valuable than other living beings. Not at all, according to Albert Schwietzer, a 20th century theologian, musician and philosopher. In his published essay (1936) "Ethics of Reverence for Life" Schwietzer said,
"Indeed, when we consider the immensity of the universe, we must confess that man is insignificant. The world began, as it were, yesterday. It may end tomorrow. Life has existed in the universe but a brief second. And certainly man's life can hardly be considered the goal of the universe. Its margin of existence is always precarious."
Similar sentiments are echoed by a distinguished professor of Philosophy at Colorado State University, Homes Rolston III, in this article "Naturalizing Values: Organisms and Species": "Humans are no more intrinsically valuable than any other living thing, but should see themselves as equal members of earth's community."
The reality is, humans have mostly focused on the utilitarian values of nature. However, according to Rolston, the intrinsic value of nature and that of all living organisms far exceed the values that humans place on them. Depicting numerous examples, he dispels the notion that human beings are the only species capable of valuing nature, as he reflects on how every organism is valuable.
For instance, the wings of the Carboniferous dragon flies are highly efficient and ca