Georges Chapouthier, trained both as a biologist and a philosopher, is emeritus head of research at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in France. He is the author of many books on the brain and on animals, notably L’Homme, ce singe en mosaïque.
The human being, a product of the animal world, developed exceptional cerebral and intellectual capabilities that enabled humans to dominate the world as well as other living species. However, such technological success has not been accompanied by moral success, and the history of human beings is a series of wars and atrocities that are the shame of our species.
Can humans become beings that are not only intelligent on the scientific level, but also better in their moral behavior?
Indeed, science has recently shown that, linked to the intellectual capabilities of animals, there exist surprising emotional and affective capabilities that remain latent in humans. If they were able to discover these long-forgotten animal faculties, if they would emphasize education toward these affective resources, human beings could probably develop more altruistic, more just, and more peaceful societies…