As explained previously, human animals are as influenced by evolution as all other animals. And unless we understand and control our evolved features we are liable to go extinct. Our most dangerous attribute is belief. Our ancestors and related hominims were probably the first to develop beliefs. Beliefs arise from observation and thinking about phenomena. Other species do not need to explain events and circumstances, they just react. Through evolving a larger brain we have acquired the ability to consider what has occurred to us or others and suggest a cause. In the past our explanations were based on imagination and fantasy as only recently in our history has the development of Science resulted in rational explanations. We have largely moved on from magic, witchcraft and stories to the results of experiments and careful observation.

However, we still have some way to go – our thinking is still evolving. Reality for many people is still shaped by entrenched beliefs. To believe is not the same as knowing and understanding the scientific facts. Much of humankind has yet to abandon unproven beliefs and think rationally based on facts. The outcomes of unsupported beliefs, unfortunately, are war, nationalism, racism, religious intolerance and sexual bias, A dog knows another dog, a horse knows another horse, but we human animals differentiate, judge and, too often, injure or kill others of our species, on the basis of differences in belief – whether about race, sex, class, religion, politics, age, history or behaviour. Beliefs can kill. Until we accept that all human animals are entitled to, and deserve,, equal recognition and respect, we will continue to exclude, hate, and attack those with different beliefs.