Did animals provide the blueprints for human culture? | Aeon Essays
Briefly

50,000 years ago, Homo sapiens began migrating out of Africa and encountered other hominids. By the end of the Pleistocene, only Homo sapiens survived, defining a unique species. Over time, distinctions were drawn that fostered beliefs of human exceptionalism, thought to stem from intentionality and cultural achievements like art and agriculture. The myth of Prometheus epitomizes the human condition, where the theft of fire symbolizes the birth of culture, placing humans above instinct-driven animals and illuminating our journey towards societal development.
Prometheus's act of stealing fire symbolizes the igniting of cultural advancement, distinguishing humans from instinct-driven creatures and highlighting our unique inventive capabilities.
The narrative of humanity's superiority over other creatures is deeply rooted in our cultural stories, shaping our self-perception as beings with intentionality and foresight.
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