[the_old_crowd] Re: Dumbledore's Unspeakable Word (going OT) and coming back

[Mike & Susan Gray]

Neri wrote:

> Speaking as a scientist studying animal behavior and neuroscience 
> (and as someone who's been an unwavering atheist since he was about 
> 10 yrs old) I must note that current evolution theory simply cannot 
> explain Kneasy's altruistic deed as a survival trait. 

Good grief! Speaking as a theologian with a detailed knowledge of the
behavior and numerical propensities of angels on pinheads (and as
someone who's been a wavering theist since practically forever) I'm a
little shocked!

I sorta thought that would be the easy one. My theory:

Granted a fairly broad and complexly arranged social group, a specimen
(such as Kneasy) demonstrating traits conducive to the survival of the
group as a whole (such as instinctive helpfulness) will be valued for
their role in the group. Granted an implicit consciousness of the value
of such helpful, Kneasy-like specimens, endless flocks of female members
will doubtless be (unconsciously) motivated to chase after such and
similar specimens in hopes of procreating hundreds and hundreds of baby
Kneasies, ensuring the survival and gradual predominance of the
helpful-Kneasy-gene.

Or put in the kind of language that makes more sense to me: The higher
animals aren't as stupid as we think - and are no where near as
egotistical. Just like human beings, they appreciate the kind of traits
we call kindness - although this appreciation is counterbalanced by an
appreciation of traits like strength and dominance. Like successful (or
"good") people, successful (or "good") animals are able to keep these
traits in balance. Animals and people who are purely egotistical and
show no kindness are not lovable, and not being loved, will not survive
very well. (Of course, neither will animals and people who aren't
wiööing or able to look out for themselves.)

Gaa. That was a weird kind of lit. crit. But fun. This is what I think
good books are supposed to stimulate their readers to do.

Baaaaaa!

Aberforth's Goat (a.k.a. Mike Gray) 
_______________________

"Of course, I'm not entirely sure he can read, 
so that may not have been bravery...."