One of the defining traits of our species is what we call intelligence and self-awareness. Too often, though, these traits are cited as a defining separation between man and beast; that is, owing to our intelligence we have somehow transcended the animalistic level.

Ignoring for now that this view presumes no other significant life forms other than animals and humans, this still ignores the notion that human intelligence–just like any other trait–developed over time with selection effects. Intelligence makes us superior to lizards in the same way that wings make birds superior to us. We value intelligence only because we posses it. And since our culture has lost a connection with the community of life, we often interpret this value as superiority at best–and a mandate to dominate at worst.