Aren’t Humans Actually an Example of the Failure of Evolution Itself?
Humans—or the species identified as the author of this article, as well as perhaps those of you reading. Humans—a species that has achieved great advances especially in cognitive development, which biologists and evolutionists subsequently refer to as a species that succeeded on the evolutionary stage.
This proud achievement has a dark side that makes me ponder about ... have we really succeeded in becoming dignified beings, or at least, have we really succeeded in the evolutionary process itself?
We who have been more “successful” in this cognitive development, it turns out that many of us—human society—still realize heinous and immoral actions. Reflecting on a reality from my home country, Indonesia, one of the most horrific and controversial cases is that of Rudi – a barbaric man in Purwokerto who impregnated his own daughter and gave birth to her 7 times, and then killed her shortly after she was born.
I ask again, could it be that humans are an example of the failure of evolution itself? These are just a few examples from my country, of course if anyone wants to open their eyes, then you will also be astonished that the heinous perpetrators of many crimes that other humans never even suspected that such barbaric acts existed were in fact committed by fellow humans, aka other humans.
Human Evolution and Progress
There is no denying that when looking at the history of human evolution, these mammals have reached a remarkable level of progress. Achieving superior cognitive development has allowed our species to create civilizations, develop technology and better understand the universe. We have the ability to think analytically, solve problems and communicate in complex ways. In many ways, humans are indeed an evolutionarily successful species.
The Challenge of Self-Control
Along with the cognitive advantages we have achieved, humans also face challenges of self-control. Individuals like Rudi, for example, with his heinous and immoral act of even mentioning that he wanted wealth and thought he could get it after having sex with his own child, made his child give birth seven times, and seven times he had to kill the result of his illicit act.
Rudi, he is the human species that adds to the list of dark sides in development. Self-control is often tested when there is a conflict between short-term desires and better long-term goals. With this, other humans can learn a lesson, relate why such things happen with the aim not to justify, but to make other humans less arrogant, that; environment and social influences can also affect human ability to control desires that may not be in line with ethical and moral values.
The Power and Presence of Human Kindness
We all need to mourn the dark side of our society, that humans like Rudi or worse than Rudi, do exist on this earth. At the same time that some humans are violent, at the same time that other records of human kindness will always exist. Many individuals and groups have fought for justice, humanity, and building a better society. In human history, we can still find examples of evolutionary successes that promote general well-being and overcome other challenges.
Conclusion
Cognitive superiority in our species-humans-is not something we need to boast about, as evolution itself is still ongoing. I would say that there is no end to progress, as we need to battle our passions, weaknesses, failures, and more every day. It is clear that humans also have the capacity for goodness, justice, and development that advances our civilization.
As a complex species with widely varying passions and desires—it is important that we continue to maintain self—control, develop empathy, and work together to reach our fullest potential as human beings every day. Remember, every day. We need to keep learning, no matter what.
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