‘Human exceptionalism underlies the ecological crisis’

In the broader narrative of evolution, the quintessential human trait is our expansive intellect. Yet, our considerable craniums have been slow to acknowledge a less commendable characteristic of Homo sapiens — egotism.

The human assumption of supremacy and the entitlement to exploit the natural realm is deeply embedded in our religious, cultural, and scientific heritages — and now we are witnessing the repercussions, stated Christine Webb, a former Harvard instructor and author of “The Arrogant Ape: The Myth of Human Exceptionalism and Why It Matters.”

“Human exceptionalism is fundamental to the ecological crisis,” Webb informed a Science Center audience of over 100 attendees recently during the Harvard Science Book Talks. “This prevailing mindset offers humans a sense of mastery over the rest of nature, viewing them as separate and entitled to exploit the Earth and other life forms for their sole benefit.”

The primary argument of her book is that anthropocentrism — or what Webb refers to as the “human superiority complex” — has driven our planet into environmental emergencies such as mass extinctions, rising ocean levels, wildfires, and beyond.

“I’ve come to view the arrogant ape not as a species, or a culture, or even a singular individual, but as a tragic hero in a Greek tragedy, blinded by their own arrogance,” remarked Webb. “This unfortunate and perilous way of perceiving our environment is a form of indoctrination so profound that many individuals remain entirely oblivious to it.”

Without a doubt, humans are singular in many aspects (we are the only species known to launch rockets into space or hold book discussions). Nonetheless, all species, as Webb elucidated, have evolved specific adaptations to their surroundings and are remarkable in their own capacities. However, we humans often regard our attributes as more elevated — and, aided by our technological skills — perceive the rest of the natural world as a commodity that we have the right to utilize without limitations.

As Webb expressed, “Human exceptionalism implies that what is distinguishing about humans is more significant and advanced than the unique traits of other life forms.”

Currently an assistant professor at New York University, Webb previously lectured in Harvard’s Department of Human Evolutionary Biology. The book emerged from her experience leading an undergraduate seminar here also named “The Arrogant Ape.”

“Numerous ideas woven into this book are those of my students,” she shared with the audience. “I was profoundly inspired by the conversations that unfolded.”

The book explores how the human perception of exceptionalism has ancient origins in the Judeo-Christian religious heritage, Western philosophy, and even scientific thought.

Shakespeare’s Hamlet referred to humans as “the paragon of animals.” In the 18th century, Carl Linnaeus, the pioneer of biological classification, categorized the taxonomic group that includes humans, apes, and monkeys as “primates” to grant us the highest rank and labeled our species “Homo sapiens” or “the wise being.” In the 1730s, poet Alexander Pope advised that, “The proper study of mankind is man.” Thus, the humanities extol the examination of you-know-who. 

The very idea of “progress” became associated with human dominion over nature. With our continually advancing scientific and technological capabilities — and a global populace that has now surpassed 8 billion — humans lay claim to an increasingly larger portion of the world’s resources. As Webb noted, “the concept of human distinctiveness and the exploitation of the natural world are intertwined.”

Human exceptionalism has developed into an unquestioned belief — rarely articulated or open to scrutiny. As Webb conveyed to the audience, “it draws strength from its obscurity.”

Science, too, has internalized this bias. Two centuries ago, Charles Darwin cautioned against the human tendency to flatter our own egos through self-affirming labels, yet generations of evolutionists have continued to fall into the same familiar traps. According to Webb, a primatologist who has researched wild baboons and gorillas in Africa, comparative studies often incorporate confirmation bias or utilize human characteristics as benchmarks of evolutionary progress.

“When you assess the world with a standard made for humans,” she stated, “other species will inevitably appear inferior.” Webb elicited laughter when she showcased a clip from the satirical publication The Onion titled “Study: Dolphins Not So Intelligent On Land.”

However, Webb contended that the human assumption of superiority is a conditioned trait. Many youngsters display a natural compassion for animals, and humans possess an inherent awe for nature that Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson described as “biophilia.”

The solution to our ecological dilemma, she asserts, lies in embracing a quality that is frequently undervalued: humility. By reawakening ourselves to the stunning diversity of nature, we could become more inclined to protect it.

“Dismissing this anthropocentric perspective, I believe, can lead to profoundly humbling insights,” she concluded in her address, “and such humility might offer genuine wisdom — the quality our species, Homo sapiens, has claimed for itself, yet one we can only truly achieve by unlearning human exceptionalism.”