What animals are thinking and feeling, and why it should matter | Carl Safina | TEDxMidAtlantic

[@mrhorsepower1526]

I grew up in the 50s in a violent household...my first memories of animal life were very special to me..there was fighting going on in the house screaming,swearing I was about 5 years old...so I ran outside and hid in the bushes so they couldn't find me...my heart was broken and I was sobbing..out of no were a bird landed on my leg I continued to cry, and it just looked at me..so I started telling the bird why I was crying, it's eyes never left mine...as I started to calm down I reached out to thank the bird with a soft touch and it never moved it let me pet it like a dog....when I stopped crying the bird closed its eyes.....opened its eyes and flew away...sence that day I've always had a special bond with animals of all kinds...and very grateful that I do...i believe animals understand heart better than humans do.

[@carrieoff]

Mr Horsepower do you eat meat?

[@juliemontano8786]

That's a really beautiful story

[@rickknight3823]

@Prayn Mantis where abouts are you and how come your town ran out of water?

[@joanhastings]

me too

[@marylamb7707]

I believe you.

[@bolingorastafari69]

Many years ago I had 4 dogs of various ages. One dog (a shih tzu named Snickers) was very elderly and totally blind. Another dog (an American water spanial named Charlie) was about 12 years old. He could see just fine. One day, I sat on my couch with a package of fig newtons. I called the dogs to me, and prepared to give each dog a fig newton. The 3 dogs who could see all lined up right in front of me. The little blind dog sat a few feet away and was facing the windows, at a perpendicular angle to me. I gave my little toy poodle a cookie, he almost took my fingers with that cookie, and ate it. I gave my pomeranian a cookie, he took it very carefully-so as to not hurt me and walked away and ate it. I then extended my hand out with a cookie to "Charlie"...... the American water spanial. He took it very carefully in his mouth. He walked over to the little shih tzu and placed it on the floor right under her nose, and she smelled it and began to eat it. He then returned to me for his cookie. He cared about the little shih tzu, and wanted to make sure that she got a cookie. He loved her. About a year later when she died of old age, he was severely depressed for 3 weeks. He barely ate, and moved around very slowly. I thought he was dying. Then one day, after 3 weeks he seemed to be okay again. That was an amazing demonstration of both love and understanding between dogs. Charlie KNEW that the little shih tzu was blind, and he fed her a very special treat before he himself had a treat. You can learn alot about love from a dog.

[@jat5am]

I cried.

[@ellenlevenson7831]

My sister had 7 parakeets. One of them became fatally injured and fell off the perch to the cage floor. One of the males would feed her and give her water several times a day and sat with her until she died. When my very old cat had to be euthanised, I cried. My other cat jumped on my chair and put her paw on my leg to calm me. Animals are a marvel.

[@ivydune4185]

@@jat5am me too

[@jameshansen8220]

Dogs are magnificent

[@ujjalshill6442]

🥺

[@lj5585]

After our best friend died, her horse, Seeker, was given to my daughter and me. We all boarded and showed together. We could tell he was very depressed and verbally told him we loved him and would always take care of him. All the extra attention and care we gave him wasn't making a difference. Three weeks later, our farrier was shoeing him and asked if we had told Seeker what happened to Dorinda. She said we needed to do that so he won't be fretting and wondering where she was. After she left, I hugged his neck and told him Dorinda had died and wanted my daughter and I to be his mommy. The very next day, Seeker was back to his little tricks and antics. He finally knew what had happened to her and was ready to move on with us.

[@elizabethabbott2982]

that is amazing

[@sandrahbradley1511]

That's wonderful, I always talk to animals having a conversation with them I can feel their energy.

[@PhilipThompsonCanada]

Phew! Thanks for sharing. When you articulated the sense of loss that Seeker was experiencing, you bonded at a new level. Additionally, when you lived-out the roll of mother and best friend, to Seeker, these actions reminded him, of Dorinda. I have discovered that as we tell our stories of grief/loss (the same thing), someone will recognize a way to practice some things that remind us of our lost loved one. Handling grief in this way, brings our friends back, in surprising ways. :-). Using photographs and story telling, I did this with my sister and mother, for the first time, 34 years after my father died. It was surprisingly cathartic, and I commend re-telling stories, to all who have experienced loss.

[@fibonaccisrazor]

Very beautiful and enlightening story. I spend half the day talking to my pets - in three different languages. But I believe they telepathically understand the thoughts and emotions that come before the speech. Sometimes I can just think, and they seem to react.

[@teresarenee3829]

@@sandrahbradley1511 yup, because as we talk to them, we spiritually communicate too...I have to greet every animal I see....lol

[@NothingMatterz]

We brought a dog home from the pound. He was scared, distant, refused to come near us. It wasn’t until I gave him a hug wen his behavior did a 180. He wanted another hug, nearly begging in high pitched breaths and whines. They do indeed have emotional and intellectual depth.

[@sweelinschaer]

Now

[@sweelinschaer]

Animals are much more the creatures with conservation habits! They only kill to eat except the Orcas who were known to kill seals in Antarctica as a game!

[@CinHalCedHerChance]

Well, non-human animals are mammals, humans are mammals, therefore we are animals as well. ... warm blooded, secrete fluid to feed, give birth to live young (not eggs), etc, etc.. We somehow tend to dismiss them as different than us because they're "animals", but we forget, we are too.

[@pamelameckley5040]

I used to hug my Norwegian Elkhound named Callahan. He was a good boi!

[@joanlynch5271]

I had a difficult dog, until I took her to a dog training class where our relationship broke down. She was hungry and stubborn and I really wanted to make things work. Finally I told her I loved her and a saw a Vail lift from her eyes and she was a lot more loving towards me.

[@moniquem1225]

This should be a required watch in first grade for every human on earth. Absolutely sickens me what we are doing to animals and earth. Thank you for this brilliant video.

[@radclyffeja]

It hurt me too, i really feel the pain

[@dmitrikourennyi6093]

1st graders are better than adults. It should be shown to adults, young and old.

[@alyse6567]

Yes!!❤️

[@masterpalladin]

overpopulation....and a monetary system based off mass profits and endless population growth

[@masterpalladin]

we are almost a cancer to the planet.........there may need to be another global plague

[@janicefitz6348]

Wonderful presentation.This should be shown in all schools. It's time for humanity to respect the animal kingdom.

[@susanmurrell635]

Sadly, it's already too late for too many. Soon, it will be too late for those remaining. And all because of humans. They must be thinking, "what has happened to our world".....and they must be feeling very sad, worried and depressed. Too bad and too sad that more of us don't feel as this speaker does. What a far better world it would be. It hurts my 💙 .

[@KyriaNunNuit]

@Summer Daze People like you ARE the problem, not just part of it. (And your parents too, probably for having done such a shoddy job.)

[@mahendra2435]

YEA, ITS ALMOST TO LATE

[@genuinedickies99]

Yeah but... steaks. I'm down with lab grown, y'all hurry up with that.

[@david_a_uno]

Yes, truly.

[@harrietsand9715]

"Until man extends his compassion to every living creature, man himself will not know peace". Albert Schwitzer

[@harrietsand9715]

MTS BOUR are you trying to convince me or yourself?

[@harrietsand9715]

MTS BOUR I don't believe that you understand the real meaning of compassion- unconditional love, not egoic love. Does the sun discriminate on who it shines its light?

[@ayingchanda]

Thank you for the dinner

[@harrietsand9715]

Zachary Bryan Eating meat and dairy has been proven to be one of the leading causes of heart disease snd cancer, you're welcome.

[@jceddy1]

@@harrietsand9715 and yet eating meat, is what allowed our species to develop a large enough brain to do the research to show the link between the two. With all things balance.

[@sbmillward]

Just watched this again, 5 years later. It's even more powerful than the first time I watched it. Absolute respect to the speaker for his compassion and masterful delivery.

[@BNSFGuy4723]

I suffer from a severe anxiety disorder. I had an anxiety attack a few days ago and I was sitting outside, trying to catch my breath and one of my cats walks up to where I’m at and pops a squat next to me. He comforted me. Same with my other cat. I was having a panic attack another time and my other cat did the same thing. They love and empathize

[@oliviawutam]

I'm pleased to hear that, meowww

[@BNSFGuy4723]

@@oliviawutam meow indeed 😌

[@crazyratlady3438]

I was having a rolling panic attack a few weeks back and finally I decided to play w one of my rats to try and distract myself. It's as if he knew I needed him, he stayed close and cuddled for SO long, until I was ok. Rats are typically more like cuddle for a few then they got stuff to do lol but not this time, he was the sweetest cuddle bug and it absolutely worked to pull me out.

[@NurseSnow2U]

When my fiancé passed from COVID last year...my 8 week old kitten would innately know when I was having a hard time and climb up me like I was a tree (claws and all) and purr at such a loud decibel that my neighbors would’ve been justified in filing a noise complaint. He...in all of his infinite kitten wisdom understood when I needed healing, he would stop whatever he was doing (mostly playing or napping at that hour) and come stay and lay with me until I had gone to sleep. We don’t deserve animals. They are so magnificent and highly under appreciated.

[@fretnesbutke3233]

I'm a retired zoo worker. They changed me. The utterly impenetrable mystery for me is why are all these radiant, sensitive and sentient beings born into such a brutal world? We humans are having an increasingly difficult time reconciling our conscience and morality with our arrogance and appetites.

[@cuhurun]

Fretnes... I concur with you entirely. I've had enough of humans and their consistently psychopathic behavior towards 'animals'. The one consolation is that there are h-sapiens out there who are truly aware, but it's sad they're so heavily outnumbered by the multitude of spiritually empty and morally unconscious bipeds that sadly inhabit this planet.

[@russellharp8761]

Reference appetite. Trust me, industrial non meat agriculture is no walk in the park, the carnage to sentient animals is unfathomable. Both directly and indirectly.

[@edmundkudzayi7571]

To be fair, nature is brutal enough even without humans.

[@Ve-suvius]

@@edmundkudzayi7571 Yeah, to praise animals over humans is silly. They are like us. Chimpanzees are cruel also, they go to war . But can be caring also. Just like us. We are nature, just like the rest of the animals. It's always a good thing though, to strive for the good. War is not positive.. Mankind is just more extreme, the brain can do great things, but it can be used for extremely bad as well,.. sadly.

[@johnkru1295]

Zoos for the most part, are animal jails.

[@carolyncunningham3847]

I believe this is my favorite Ted talk ever. Thanks for caring.

[@harveytheparaglidingchaser7039]

Same here, amazing talk

[@31Alden]

Mine as well ..

[@maymichellediego1064]

Me too! 100%

[@crazydaisyog3984]

I was just about to comment this is my favorite TED talk too. ❣️❣️

[@SchmupKing]

Top 3 for sure

[@debbiekalfas8696]

Many years ago I had the opportunity to visit an aquarium in Hawaii. Early one morning, I was given a private tour by the general manager before the park was officially open to the public. This gentleman had been in charge of the park for decades. As we walked around the park, I couldn’t help but see how happy the dolphins were to see this man. They were literally jumping out the water, doing back flips, basically dancing for joy at the very sight of him. When I asked the man if they always greet him this way. He smiled and explained that this was his first day back after being gone for several months while he recovered from open-heart surgery. From that day forward, I never doubted that animals experience the same emotions that we do.

[@calypsomaiden]

I know this I park well, entertainment centers focus on withholding food for tricks. This is unfortunately a poor example. No offense to the author of this comment.

[@lora9785]

Animals have hearts and feeling too.

[@sciencenotstigma9534]

@@calypsomaiden Perhaps that worker was an exception.

[@tbone541]

That's hard to understand...how animals can feel complex feelings like humans do

[@tbone541]

@@lora9785 Ok how do killer Wales feel about great whites in the ocean around the southern tip of Africa?

[@CaptFomo]

I can only hope his message sinks in to those who still don't understand that animals deserve to be on this earth just as much as we do.

[@NancyRutland]

My first memory of my daddy teaching me was “See this lizard? God gave him just as much right to live on this earth that you do. Kill nothing “

[@CnithTheOnliestOne]

problem is, none of those people are watching. Only those of us who care, do.

[@richardcollier1912]

Just as much? We do not deserve to be here.

[@chinookvalley]

@@richardcollier1912 You took the words right outta my mind. I don't know how we ended up here on this beautiful planet, but we certainly don't know how to behave, and we certainly don't deserve a seat on this spinning paradise. We've been here too long. Nature is about to show rank and boot us off.

[@Cougar1212]

@@NancyRutland Um, no he didn't. (Per all three monotheistic worldviews). He actually said, of a lot of 'em, dinner time! No really. Then about half the species on earth depend on the other half for dinner.

[@Sophia.]

"Everyone deemed worthy to be saved on Noah's Ark is in mortal danger now and the flood is us" On point.

[@danakuss2567]

Noah was more kind to animals than others, and everyone else perished. Is this the evident truth, one from a brain far more different and adapted to mythos teaching than we are?

[@klauskinski5969]

i really wished the sentence would be: "do we love them"

[@renecordova6349]

Carl Safrina is a fraud! He believes in evolution then mentions Noah's ark !! Surely he doesn't believe in both, it's a contradiction.....or he is a complete moron.

[@rockysandman5489]

@@renecordova6349 Um, you do realize some Christians believe in some of the Bible stories as metaphorical rather than literal.. For all intents and purposes, it could be he believes in the Noah's Ark story as metaphorical, while believing in literal evolution of animals.

[@renecordova6349]

@jstpgms and you can't rise to a moron status....

[@marykrismoss1861]

"And the flood is us."--- I've watched 100s of TED talk videos & this ONE just became my favorite!!! Wish we could give more than ONE thumbs up. 💙💚

[@loumason6120]

YES it was well done!

[@WhyYoutubeWhy]

Yeah for me too!

[@thosedays512]

Yeah it gave me chills when he dropped that line

[@davidkirby6473]

The flood is us. Wow

[@chinookvalley]

My favorite, too. Carl Safina, an interesting human.

[@janetfedeles3964]

A presentation I wish the whole world had to watch and think about.

[@daanw6270]

So they can feel bad for dogs killed in China while eating their bacon sandwich? Sick of these fake people who say they care about animals but pay money every day to get them killed

[@1292liam]

especially the Chinese, Vietnamese etc (for obvious reasons)

[@shreyaaashree]

@@1292liam ohh yeaa definetly

[@shreyaaashree]

I completely agree!

[@jamesmcgill506]

I am grateful that I have more animal friends than human. I picked the kinder group on earth. I came from a violent abusive home and never really connected with people on many levels. I believe God gave me a bond with animals of all types to say "I haven't neglected you James I am here in my animals". I was lonely but never alone.

[@farahsummers1171]

That's truly beautiful James. I too have a deep connection with animals since I was a tiny child & ongoing today. I'm glad you found that love & beauty & positivity & that you are a survivor of difficulty. Be kind to you & your furry friends.

[@eveningstar777]

And yet the most, or should i say THE ONLY cruel species on this earth, the only ones that DON'T just kill out of fear or food. The only animal that is cruel, is capable of killing or torturing living things out of please or without any guilt. The ONLY species that would be cruel to their own kind and others in a sickening, horrendous way that its clear it has the markings of 'Satan'. Yet ironically, that very same species it often called 'MANKIND'

[@fareshajjar1208]

Animals don't hold people accountable for their behavior. People do that. Weak individuals choose animals for that reason.

[@UncleBuZ]

🤣cool story brah.🤣

[@rodshop5897]

@@eveningstar777 "THE ONLY cruel species on this earth, the only ones that DON'T just kill out of fear or food." Nah, housecats who go outside often kill even when they are not hungry, and they leave the dead animals behind. Have you ever seen a cat torture a small animal to death? They do it without any guilt. Remember, we are animals, just like they are.

[@pamelaaraujo6292]

My puppy wakes me up at 3am every day to meditate. At first I couldn't believe this was happening but it is happening. I have been practising meditation for a while with her and I did feel that this is what she wanted so I started doing a meditation for all living creatures (including my global family). I feel renewed and loved. It's strange but this is my testimony about the link of all creation. May we be awaken to consciousness for our own sake.🙌❤

[@kulvirs00]

Wow, so beautiful

[@velvetpaws999]

Yes, you are right. My four dogs, they come running and settle down around me, when they hear me say the word "meditation". And they sit/lie perfectly still until the session is over. They love it so much. They also come running whenever they see I am sitting down at the piano to play. They jump on the sofa and on the floor pillows, settle down and listen quietly until I'm done playing. They have a mind, a heart and a soul. You better believe it.

[@mrindian8198]

Om shaanti🙏

[@sweettaterpie7009]

Today I took a walk on the beach. Several dogs came up to me. The owners would smile and I would say "He/she knows that I'm a dog lover." One dog owner replied "He picks his people carefully." Wow. That comment just blew me away!

[@jefsiv]

I further agree.

[@catc8927]

Similar experience here. Dogs will come up to me to say hi, to the point that I have to be careful walking past the neighborhood dog park because I’ll get followed. 😆 I’m always honored and touched when animals decide I’m trustworthy.

[@sweettaterpie7009]

@@catc8927 I bent over to pet a dog that knew me well. He got spooked and bit my nose. I had to go to the ER for stitches. I don't ever get my face close to any dog. Not even my own, after that. I'm just glad that he didn't bite it off and swallow it. He would have had to go to the vet for surgery to recover my nose, maybe. Be careful you dog lover you! 😪

[@susanmurrell635]

Sweet Tater Pie What a compliment for you.

[@Wayne-fe1ed]

There seems to be a growing volume of people that are becoming more conscious of the needs of other creatures and prepared to take steps to ensure their continuity.

[@annecross7218]

How wonderful to hear someone talking with such passion about something I believe so strongly. most people don't hear the cows calling for their calves when they have been taken away, either.

[@janeknight3434]

This is such a strong argument in favour of veganism.

[@richardl.currier4052]

@@janeknight3434 Not at all. Our planet is self-composed and has only itself to feed off of. Whether we eat plants (which also have intelligence) or animals, this is the way nature intended us to behave. Animal cruelty is of course absolutely wrong, and handling of animals meant for consumption must definitely improve. For example, chickens and dairy cows need to be given fresh air and light, ample space, etc.

[@janeknight3434]

@@richardl.currier4052 plants do not have intelligence or sentience, unlike the animals we abuse and kill as babies for unnecessary food. We only have this planet, I totally agree, which is another great reason for going vegan. Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of global warming, deforestation, ocean dead zones and water wastage and pollution. It is responsible for 80% of antibiotic use, leading to antibiotic resistant superbugs. It is cruel by its very nature, separating mothers from babies, culling males by the billions, caging, mutilations with no anaesthetic, slaughter as babies. It’s horrific, unnecessary and damaging ti the animals, the planet and our health. There’s no upside. Once you start looking into it, it’s truly shocking.

[@richardl.currier4052]

​@@janeknight3434 Reality is a closed system and therefore it only has itself to feed on. In the biological world, living things feed off each other because that is all they have- and if they didn’t, they would be relegated to simplistic life forms such as plants. Thus, no spectacular form of evolution could’ve occurred without this system of autophagy. The nature of biological existence may seem ontologically wrong, but it’s all we’re working with. Yes, animals (and to a certain extent plants) feel pain, precisely to avoid being eaten. But they, in turn, have instincts to eat others. There is no “break” in the cycle of autophagy. And if there theoretically were agents trying to break this cycle (for example, if a baboon offers her children to a hungry cheetah, or if a person refuses to eat anything living) they are quickly de-selected from existence.

[@patriciafisher1170]

@@richardl.currier4052 well said. Research has shown it was when humans started to eat meat that their brains grew. Having said that. I myself can no longer eat meat as my body has developed an intolerance to meat and dairy and eggs. Although I seem to be able to eat quail eggs. I would like to eat meat but I can’t so I do wonder if our bodies are changing maybe evolving.

[@krishnasrinivasan7541]

This talk is very very powerful. Its time we start respecting animals, treating them well, and allowing them to live and thrive. We have come to their home, not the other way around. Lets be good guests in our ephemeral time on the planet, leaving the place a little better than when we first got here.

[@pamelameckley5040]

I remember when I was a child my grandparents dog (Laddie) passed away. When I found out, I cried because I was so broken-hearted. I remember them asking me why I was crying and then telling me that it was "just a dog." Later on, my aunt's cat passed away. I had spent a lot of time with her (the cat, named Cinders.) I also cried for the loss of her and was told the same thing.. I felt like there was something wrong with me for loving the animals and for grieving for them when they died. I guess maybe I was ahead of my time? I'm glad that I've always been this way and I don't want to change.

[@Typical.Anomaly]

I cried a little watching this video. Just let it happen. Nothing's wrong with you.

[@pamelameckley5040]

@@katieb2931 I'm so sorry to hear that. Trust me when I say that I feel your pain and that I understand it. You'll see him again, I absolutely believe that.

[@pamelameckley5040]

@@Typical.Anomaly thank you very much. I needed to hear that. 💜

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

The old dog pictured in my ID photo had to be put down a couple weeks ago. He was 15 and was blind and deaf. Other serious issues had cropped up and his quality of life was definitely in the past. It’s a hard day. I’ve done it many times. That Old dog earned a special place in my heart because I had to move him inside when I was going through aggressive chemo and many surgeries. He became an integral part of my support system and I’ll always believe he helped me survive pancreatic cancer which is very rare. His name was Oliver or Ollie for short and he now has a prominent place in a beautiful oak box on my mantle. I feel for everyone who has to go through losing a faithful friend an companion 😘

[@pamelameckley5040]

@@sweetdrahthaar7951 I'm sorry to hear of your dear, loyal companion, Ollie crossing Rainbow Bridge. He definitely had something to do with you surviving pancreatic cancer (that's incredible BTW!) I believe he's watching over you in spirit now. Sometimes they come back to visit their beloved owners. Pay close attention for signs of a visit - you never know!

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

I got a pup when I was 14. He saw me through high school, waited for me when I went to college, helped me court my girl when I got back, was with us at our wedding then thought it was such a good idea he snuck out and got married himself (he made the neighbor's dog pregnant). By the time he was 13 he'd slowed down a lot, didn't have full control of his hind legs and where he'd been a bit of a loveable ruffian he became the sweetest most loving old guy. Sleeping for hours at our feet, always ready for a friendly scratch behind the ears which he'd acknowledge with a lazy lick or a single thump of his tail. Then I got a job assignment - I'd be away for about 6 months. My wife was upset but we both agreed it was a great opportunity and I should take it. Maybe she shared her feelings with him I don't know. Anyway, there were a lot of preparations and a lot of activity and he could sense something was up. Then, just days before I was supposed to leave, my wife called me at work to say he had died. Quietly in the yard, under a bush he used to lie under. I didn't quite know how to react. I just got my stuff and started to leave, I needed to get home. As I was leaving my boss saw my face and asked what was wrong - I told him my dog had died. He didn't stop me but I could tell from his expression he didn't understand what was the big deal - its just a dog. But of course not he was my pal and I felt awful that I wasn't with him at the end. Later my dad came by and said something that has stayed with me ever since. He said "I think he knew you were going away again, like when you went to college. And he thought this time he might not be around when you returned. So he left first.". That killed me. Its been 25 years and I have tears in my eyes as I write this.

[@hulamei3117]

This. Dad was right.

[@MsShandy111]

How wonderful to have loved this Dear dog. He loved you in return. It is so so sad to lose a pet. It's like losing your best friend.

[@kathimoennich8511]

You Story made me cry I sit here with my old pup 15 years old and know the time is near , I cry with you ,thank you for telling us your lovely story , Katarina from Australia

[@talabeans7965]

Hugs

[@betsythomson8974]

😢😢😍

[@danpt2000]

"What makes us Humans, is simply that we are the Most extreme. We are the most Compassionate, we are the most Violent, we are the most Creative, we are the most Destructive" , We are the Flood...... damn....

[@jenkinsmcgee5083]

WORD

[@JennySieck]

Not so sure we are the most compassionate....

[@asoulintension7769]

@@JennySieck idk about most compassionate.

[@hugoclarke3284]

​@@asoulintension7769 Do a bit of research into the acts of heroism people have done and are doing

[@lamagiduneinstant76]

We’re supposed to be the Stewards of this planet and these animals. Animals don’t eat and sleep where they evacuate

[@kansaskitty4083]

With tears streaming down my cheeks...I give you a standing ovation....! What a beautiful and logical way of explaining our connection to animals! Thank you sooo much and now I shall share!

[@mediaquest123]

How did we become so cry responsive all of a sudden? Is that what chem trails do?

[@Judefluff525]

@@mediaquest123 they’re seeking validation lol. they think saying they shed a tear makes them a better person or something.

[@carolynevers7924]

@@Judefluff525 No, the tears are a level of the emotion they feel.

[@Mmax389]

@Ilikeyou To What a Neanderthal!

[@rodshop5897]

@@Mmax389 That person shows that not all humans have empathy.

[@benjiebenjamin7810]

When my parrot Guy, after 3 days of not talking as he was dying, on his last breath he said, "I love you", then exhaled. I KNOW animals have feelings even if they can't tell us...They have so much to teach us if only we would just listen...we are NOT 'top dog'.....HUGS2U

[@wayneirvine4392]

Benjie Benjamin Awww that just brought biggest tears to my eyes thankyou for showing him love to say that to u, u r blessed xxx

[@kimboeskeim397]

My dearly despaired African Grey parrot said “Goodnight, I love you Girl” every night & good morning every morning (in addition to a multitude of other things He enjoyed saying & loved the song Amoré... “when the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that’s amoré....”) Such a joy! He definitely understood context!

[@faeryphoebe1]

I'm so sorry about your Parrot. May Guy RIP.

[@rogerivy2919]

@NICK COIN true i always thought about this. i even dont want to ever own a cat, even though i take great care of my cat and made him indoor outdoor, still he is always asking me to let him out but i cant use a catflap and anyhow my house is close to the road so i worry he die but still i open for him daily and he learned not to cross the road.

[@queenvee9729]

😭

[@Msgrimsteppa]

My dog has taught me how to love again and helped save my life from depression. Animals are so important 🐾 💕

[@amytrumbull156]

I once walked into a barn where some predator had killed and mostly eaten several week old kittens. A few seconds later, the mother cat walked in and found her murdered babies...she went absolutely crazy, crying out so loudly and profoundly and running around in panic and grief. I knew without a doubt that she absolutely overcome with horror, grief and sorrow....she was heartbroken. I have always known that animals are "people" too and have feelings just like us. I have always been disgusted when people say they are "just animals" or don't have feelings. I'm vegetarian on and off as well, mostly due to my feelings about animals and the horror that commercially raised meat animals are raised experiencing on a lifelong basis.

[@gardenvarietyvegan4096]

Makes me sad for that mother cat 😢 About 5 years ago I realized that if I had to buy my meat at a market where animals were kept right there rather than a supermarket far from the animals and slaughter houses, I couldn’t buy/eat the meat. I have not eaten animal products for 5 years. There is no need. I’m healthier for it as well. 💕

[@I_know_it_I_sew_it_I_grow_it]

You must see the common practises of the dairy industry. When they separate the mother from it's calf to steal the milk to sell to humans, the mother cow is wracked with grief for days. It's heart breaking. That's why informed and compassionate people choose to be vegan. Dairy is scary.

[@gardenvarietyvegan4096]

@@I_know_it_I_sew_it_I_grow_it heart breaking! 💕

[@flagal519]

Amy, thank you for sharing this....as terrible a scene as it must have been, I can envision it all. That poor mother cat....indeed, to me, animals are not only empathetic and intelligent but they are like whole nations that we have tried to dominate and subjugate. I know that people are seeming to change now, more aware that animals have feelings....I am seeing hope here in the last decade or so, around this.

[@Nour-mx3uu]

@@gardenvarietyvegan4096 yayyy thank you for giving the animals a chance

[@petrabiedermann1947]

"the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way it's animals are treated" Mahatma Gandhi.

[@SkyBlue6365]

Today in Gandhi's India no human is safe save the cow

[@OlJackBurton]

And what about their elderly?

[@gayedawn1]

One of my favourite animal shelters and rescue centres has that on the fence at Arunachala, India. They are kind, compassionate and devoted to all creatures they come across.

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

Whether Gandhi said that - or more importantly: whether Gandhi was that sensitive to the plight of animals - is debatable. Animal welfare did not quite have the prominence in current affairs back then that it has nowadays. But it's a great quote nevertheless - regardless of who coined it first.

[@BalramKanwat]

In this country, even humans are in worst conditions.

[@thehowerd8634]

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." ~ Jimi Hendrix

[@infinitejest441]

TheHowerd Truer words were never spoke

[@truthseek3017]

I believe in the quote from Jimi, but we are doomed. Nuclear bombs still exist, and every rich country has them. We are reproducing too much(not me), consuming too much, and polluting too much. The corporations and rich people own everything, their wealth has been passed down for centuries, they are cutting down the forests, using up all the resources, polluting the air and water.

[@queencleopatrabeverly7914]

Indeed!

[@Shmengeroonie]

He asked from the stage if ‘anyone out there had the answer to the meaning of life please meet me back stage’? I guess a Christian tried to explain JESUS CHRIST to him but he didn’t get it. Too bad!

[@richardcollier1912]

In other words, never.

[@michaelaskarbova223]

One of the best TED talks I have ever seen. Learned a lot about incredible emotional intelligence of wild life. Wish he also mentioned intelligence of animals that humans use for consumption like pigs and cows etc because people don’t make the link between living, feeling animal and their steak on the plate or milk in their cereals (hence so many people laughed when Carl mentioned how we treat crayfish or octopus - boiling - I found it sad and not funny at all) 🙏

[@lisakilgore1903]

Me too

[@jeanerette]

The audience response was so cringey when human brutality and predation was mentioned. I wonder how Carl felt.

[@ashwinnmyburgh9364]

I must agree with the meat thing (I love meat, but I do wish it didn't harm animals), but I don't agree with the milk thing. What is wrong with milk? It doesn't kill anything.

[@IamThePedestrian]

@@ashwinnmyburgh9364 It's the process of getting the milk. Cows are kept pregnant over and over so that they give milk. Their babies are taken from them almost immediately after birth so they don't drink the milk that is sold, and the babies are raised in horrific conditions so they can be turned into veal. The average life span of a cow is twice that as one that is raised as a "milk cow". =^..^=

[@ashwinnmyburgh9364]

@@IamThePedestrian oh...thanks for the heads-up now I don't know if I'll be able to look at a bowl of cereal the same way.

[@fulanichild3138]

I was telling a friend how my sweet, patient cat quietly shed one big tear during a minor medical procedure. My friend thought I was ridiculous and proclaimed that "they don't cry the same as we cry; the cat was merely reacting to a stressful situation." It was later that I realized, that's why we cry, too. Crying is always a reaction to a stressful situation, be it grief or fear or pain or disappointment or frustration. We are more alike than we think.

[@jolenebear7173]

We even have happy cries. Cries of joy and appreciation.

[@petersorensen4396]

We also cry when we are happy! I cried when I thought my outside cat would die, she did not eat for 3 days. then she starts eating again! AND I CRIED FOR HAPPINESS.

[@evamaria7298]

I love your name! I once saw a documentary about lions and one of their cubs was called Fulani by the film crew. The lions followed a big herd of water buffalos over a long distance when one day sweet little Fulani got behind and lost. Once the lions realised this the whole pack stopped for a day and a night and searched for their beloved Fulani. Thankfully they found her again in the end. I was moved to tears watching this with my then one year old cat Romy (I bottlefed her so she was like my daughter) and I thought if I'll ever have another cat in my life I will name her Fulani! Such a beautiful name!

[@fulanichild3138]

@@evamaria7298 It was a fitting name for the little lion, as the Fulani are a nomadic tribe and she was a wanderer.

[@andyandcallie]

I always talk not only to my pets but to my wildlife. I had a nice conversation with an owl last year, as he sat in a tree, listening to me. :)

[@masterblaster2555]

Me too, with a dragonfly taking a sunbath on my shoulder.

[@escape_samsara]

Nice. How long you been vegan?

[@andyandcallie]

@@escape_samsara If I wanted to destroy my health, I'd be a vegan. :)

[@escape_samsara]

@@andyandcallie So do you talk to the thousands of animals you pay people to brutally murder for you as well? Because they are just as aware and conscious as your owl friend. And if you educated yourself you would realize that a vegan diet is very healthy. I have been vegan for many years and am currently training for my 3rd triathlon. But hey I am sure that I am about to drop dead any minute now. lol.

[@InteleVision-Vic]

I saw a Squirrel watching me as I lay down under his Tree, so I started singing to him as I looked in his Eyes and he was Mesmerized. It was a pretty Amazing Experience. I figured if I am invading his space, and I don't have any Food, at least I can give him a Song. I took a picture of him too. I love Animals.

[@cityslickerchickens5835]

I once saw two squirrel rinning and playing, one got ran over by a car coming from my opposite direction. As I looked in the rearview mirror, I could see the other squirrel was devestated, trying to get the other squirrel to get up. It made me cry. The older I get, the more I realize how precious life is in any form. There has been a upgrade of consciousness in this plane we live, and the animals are able to show us more of their feelings.

[@mondopinion3777]

Yes, definitely there has been an upgrade of consciousness. I have the perspective of being 80, and grew up on a farm with many animals. I have changed, and so have the animals, even the wild ones.

[@judiefinnegan5943]

I had a similar experience with a pair of Canadian geese. One was killed in the road and the other came every day and stood in the road where he lost his partner waiting for her to return. Such beautiful devotion and loyalty

[@judiefinnegan5943]

Thanks for your reply. I am aware of the upgrade in consciousness but never thought about it affecting the animals🤗

[@karenbolte7789]

Mr. Safina. The audience’s laughter you endure somehow without wincing, for the animals’ sake, and my heart breaks as you go on presenting - again - for the animals, and for us, the species who has lost its way. Your compassion, knowledge, preparation and laser-like focus are remarkable. Remarkable. I want to join, support, emulate and multiply your efforts. Thank you so much. Thank you.

[@faithray-zf2ob]

I agree with you... Why did they laugh at the " we boil them" ?. That made me feel ashamed as a human

[@tlee4218]

I felt the cringe also. well said.

[@freexboz7048]

@@faithray-zf2ob Yeah me too…I wasn’t going to point it out bc I thought ppl would call me too sensitive but it got me thinking. We are both alive and we both feel pain, why is it any different?

[@RR_85]

Agreed. It just shows the ignorance of most of the human race.

[@GlenysMorgan]

That was my first thought. How easily we believe other animals are only of use to us.... as food. And their suffering amuses us.

[@the_original_public_newsense]

This made me want to cry. I think about this stuff every day of my life.

[@MegaPishoo]

thank you on behalf of all sentient beings.

[@ulalaFrugilega]

We aren't even the extreme he says we are … well, maybe in cruelty, but certainly not in compassion. I read this about a baby rhino stuck in the mud: it's Mom had no better idea than trying all manner of motivation for him to get out by itself. Which it couldn't. The sun climbing up, the mud dried and hardened by the minute… An elephant heard the baby's cries and came to investigate, but got chased off by the frantic rhino Mom. That (female) elephant hung around though. Mom, in desperation, thought to get the lazy baby out, by "ok, stay if you like, I'm off! Good bye!" and trotted out of sight. (And being a rhino, out of earshot) That's when Mrs. Elephant stepped right back in and began digging around the baby, who's struggles had wedged it ever more firmly into the hardening mud. She made good progress, but the rhino mom, who had, of course, been bluffing, came back too soon, saw the elephant atop her baby and attacked! Lucky for the elephant, she wasn't stealthy about it. Jumbo jumped aside and sped away. The weakening baby was still stuck. It's Mom tried in vain to coax it out, marching off again, calling all the time… As soon as she was out of the way, the elephant returned! She then managed to grab the little rhino, and pulled it out. That is a true story.

[@factsevidenceagainstmarxis4474]

Yes, true story... saw it on Facebook a while ago...not sure if it was the same case...

[@MyNewEra2012]

❤

[@EclipseStar]

Source?...

[@heikefoth4624]

That is a great great story. I'm so glad that the Elephant saved the baby. How smart they are. Thank you so much for your story.

[@davidhunt9]

And then everyone clapped.

[@AlexAlexon3897]

So inspiring a talk that I can't wait to pass it on. A kind of aquatic bird I didn't recognize came up to me in a dark hospital garden when I was locking up as last job of the day. He (as it turned out) looked sideways at me, and I had the intuition that he needed help. I let him into the hallway, tried to feed him (unsuccessfully), took his picture, then phoned a bird sanctuary. From the photo, the expert told me: "That's a Manx Shearwater. They can't feed inland." She drove 40 miles to collect him, then the same distance back to the sanctuary. They released Albert two weeks later, having fed him and nursed him to full health. He flew into the distance over the sea. It turned out he'd been blown 30 miles inland in a storm. The hospital garden had given him cover, but presented its own dangers. He sensed that I like animals and asked for help. Still have his photo!

[@kathyinwonderlandl.a.8934]

Love your story

[@ourselves8640]

Easily one of the best TEDx Talks I have seen! If you were not affected by what this man presented us with then you are part of the "flood."

[@iowild1048]

From the time I was very young, I have had empathy for animals. When I was 5, my father took me fishing. It didn't take me long for me to realize the distress I was causing. I didn't eat fish for a long time. As my father was also a hunter, I saw the rabbits, the partridge, the deer he harvested, hanging in the garage or the basement, which I had previously seen running free when we took walks with the dogs. I took a stand at young age to not eat my wild friends, but didn't make the connection with packaged meat in the grocery store until I was a teenager. Our planet and the creatures on it are now experiencing the cumulative stress of human lack of empathy, as livestock are crammed into pens and barns, never seeing the light of day. Their waste products emitting more methane than any other human action. We cannot continue to act unconsciously. We are already experiencing repercussions, big time.

[@jenniedevil911]

I'o Wild that must have been such a massive decision on your part to go against what your family believed and change your habits. Often it's apparent that being brought up with those mindsets develops desensitisation which lasts for the rest of their lives, so it's reassuring that it's not always the case and that certainly in your circumstances, it's possible to overcome the desensitisation and show empathy. Well done.

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

Wow! Good for you! You had to go against your father - and your conditioning. 💞 I also feel we are already seeing the repercussions of our lifestyles - and wonder more and more if I am one of the last humans to live at this level of lifestyle (TV, central heat and air, pretty comfortable). I really think it's all downhill from here, unless there is a big change and I don't see us doing it (fast enough).

[@jonathanlane4496]

I'o Wild Lovely comment, thank you.

[@m.j.golden4522]

"Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission -- to be of service to them whenever they require it." -- St. Francis of Assisi.

[@marti-greciaodalyz8786]

Blessed Saint Francis!!!

[@geraldmartin8195]

One of my favourite quotes. Thank you for saying it.

[@malcolmlockridge1853]

Francis - the only REAL saint Christianity ever produced.

[@unaboyle5815]

This talk reminded me of a KZbin video, 'I need a hug today' which shows different animals running to their people for hugs, animals like geese and turkeys, pigs and goats. It sure reinforces the idea that animals have feelings and make their own very personal connections with people.

[@MsShandy111]

On KZbin, there is this wonderful clip of a goose running into the outstretched arms of a woman who cared for it in its infancy.

[@katherinegordon8088]

My cat stares at me and tells me when it's time to go to bed...lol I love him he answers me when I ask " Hi Kitty how you doing?" He says "Errrr" So cute

[@oliviawutam]

Katherine ( my mama's name too). I assume you live alone, The only way to live, I'm a born loner except for my cats, be happy

[@Ndo01]

"The flood is us". Damn, that's deep.

[@BorgCoitus]

It hurt to hear it

[@jabronjunklove760]

It was in Halo, too.

[@vguyver2]

It hurts primo. We know we can do better, and most don't care to try.

[@garrettherschleb2189]

"Deep!" I get it! Ha! Ha!

[@dalamar555]

No it's foolish, but believe your better than life, keep the lie rolling

[@Ash-tr1dv]

His point about scientists' conventional attitude to "anthropomorphism" is brilliant to hear. We can't know for sure what animals are thinking or feeling, but we can observe brains and behaviour. We are in a very similar position regarding other humans. But, if it looks like (say) love, and it acts like love and has the same effects as love - guess what - the chances are, it's love. Spot on.

[@gabriellescouarnec8327]

They say "We can't know for sure what animals are thinking or feeling" as if anyone could know for sure what a human being thinks or feels.

[@onetwothree4148]

Except that it is exactly why none of this moralizing matters. Think about it: You think you have to eat food and not rubber, your dog thinks it has to bark at you and not a wall to get fed, a spider thinks it has to spin a web and not crawl around in circles to catch food, a bee thinks it has to find flowers and not rocks, flatworms think they have to attach onto the skin of a fish and not a boat. Everything is just doing what it is programmed to do. Even insects have brains, complex cultures, mating rituals, hierarchies, and are capable of learning! All nervous systems are composed of the same neurons and chemicals. A honeybee has 1,000,000 neurons that are the same exact neurons found in your brain. All organisms share the same DNA structure, and the basic components of all organisms are made from the same chemicals. Consciousness is just being programmed to be self aware. Thinking is the ability to imagine and predict the future. Many animals cannot recognize themselves in a mirror, and are not fully self aware, but many different types of organisms appear to be capable of thinking- responding to the world. All of these responses, including human thinking, are actually chemical reactions. Every effect has a cause. More complex brains have more complex causal chains, but we all essentially evolved from algae. Most organisms (and even some plants) have neurons that trigger chemical responses to avoid bodily destruction. Does a fly move away when partially crushed because it feels pain? Probably, but with no way to express emotions, who knows. What we do know is that most animals feel pain, most animals are willing to inflict pain on others, and humans are not morally superior (or we wouldn't be equals), nor any more morally responsible.

[@rachelmoody1520]

@@onetwothree4148 I agree with almost everything you said, except that bit about how humans aren't more morally responsible, if for no other reason than because I know no species besides humans that is intentionally and purposelessly cruel. When animals hurt each other it is to eat, to provide for their families, to defend territory, or to show off. When humans hurt each other or animals it could be for any of those reasons, or it could be for no reason at all. We as a species need to own up to that.

[@onetwothree4148]

@@rachelmoody1520 That is completely false. Many organisms murder their own species, cannibalize, or kill for fun. In fact, most felines regularly surplus kill- kill things they do not eat. Anyone who has owned a house cat knows this, but the myth persists... There is nothing unique about humans, except for our exceptional ability to cooperate adaptively in large numbers. Empathy is not instinctual, and many humans do not develop it at all. Empathy is a learned function of intelligence, through the process of imagining ourselves acting as others, and the golden rule is nothing more than a calculation of what outcomes are most likely harmful to us personally, given the statistical uncertainty of our position in the social hierarchy. Hence the ease with which most people have historically dispensed with the golden rule upon reaching secure positions of power...

[@sidarthur8706]

Rachel Moody you must know what cats are. they don't eat everything they kill, they only kill for the pleasure of cruelty and sometimes they eat the things they've killed

[@brianhagen8244]

I first discovered the cat that we got when he was near death from having been abandoned. We arranged for him to be taken to a shelter for medical treatment, and to find his owner from ID tags. When that did not pan out, we were able to buy him from the shelter. I have never experienced such unconditional love and affection from a pet as from him. After nine years, we lost him to cancer, but he lives forever in our hearts ...

[@MsShandy111]

Beautiful! You felt for the cat, saved his life and brought him into your family. You truly loved your dear cat.

[@marcyallison5996]

You are an animal angel.

[@wellnessgala]

This video should be mandatory for viewing and should be shown in schools to teach our children...animals are far more than just animals, and humans do more damage than any other animal.

[@bozenakordek9232]

Are you vegan?

[@gabberhead9821]

I'm not vegan and I agree

[@kailomonkey]

Show to the children just like the classroom murals. Lessons and fantasies to leave behind once in adulthood. Better I think is to industrialise love and compassion rather than control and productivity.

[@PaszerDye]

Agree with the 1st, disagree with the 2nd. We need people to realize from an early age that animals are thinking feeling beings with souls of their own. But we shouldn't let chains of guilty facts to be the main thing they take away. That will only stymie them and encourage negative thinking.

[@raaspider]

Barbara Barber this video is wow 😯

[@seanmcaleavy2369]

This made me cry not tears of joy, but of shame.

[@JesseRoss1993]

One of the best Ted's I've seen. There will be a reckoning..

[@ericscaillet2232]

Indeed, we are roten to the core yet cry like babies when a drop of water falls on our head.

[@steffibaker2201]

The most thought-provoking, insightful, touching piece ever on the case for animal life being equally important to human life on our planet. This talk should be broadcast in schools, universities, workplaces - everywhere.

[@smileallthewhile]

NO

[@mightyoak11111]

I would have given two thumbs up if I could. Such an important talk.

[@MMaheshThakur]

mightyoak11111 why not fo4r

[@earthlingel.2238]

one of the most incredible speeches I've ever heard, right after Ed Winter's speech. We humans need to realise that we're not the only species on earth, we have to be nice to our home the earth and the other animals that live on the planet with (and NOT FOR) us! respect all living beings and our home

[@WillBlindYouWithLight]

Problem is...our fellow humans use and abuse other humans. Those ones seem to repeat and rinse and repeat those behaviors. They will not change. They do not self reflect. Animals don't either. I don't think we as humans have advanced as much as a whole as people believe.

[@russellmaddock3492]

Yes, you are right. We are to be care takers of the garden, not abusers of it. Blessings to you. Hope you enjoy the divinely inspired message. It has much to do with the sacredness of all life and God's plan for the future.

[@skelm4978]

@@russellmaddock3492 The problem is religion and the gods, all man-made. God doesn't have a plan. If you read Genisis then you read how we can be masters of every living creature on earth. And that is where the problem started. Until reason, people thought that animals have no feelings, no thought and no empathy. It is religion that made sure to place mankind above nature and animals. The most religious people are hunters.

[@XIIIthSpirit]

/👁\ The Gods don't have a plan for humanity..? Speak for your own ignorance. Google Iddin Sîn, although you probably won't, and I'm betting once you find depictions of him crushing a human hnder his gigantic titan sized feet; you will still ignore the evidence. We hide everything jn plain sight. The blinded will be the ones to ignore it. Millions of you blinded, and sighted onto false truths.

[@susanest]

@@WillBlindYouWithLight As Gandhi so brilliantly said "BE the change you want to see in the world".

[@lynn.d1015]

I have been working with and watching animals for the last 30 years . I can’t believe it has taken the experts this long to figure this out

[@jhunt5578]

Thank Descartes for that

[@maristella287]

Projecting human emotions on to animals is a good place to start.

[@maristella287]

I would like my belly rubbed. How cute. How cute.

[@maristella287]

How sad everything he says.

[@maristella287]

So sad!!!

[@pafou]

When I was young, we rescued a abandoned baby raccoon that wandered in our yard. We didn't let him inside the house as to avoid him becoming domesticated. We fed him, washed him with tick shampoo, pet him, let him play with the dog. He ended staying for a month and left by himself. One of the greatest experience of my life which opened my mind about animals' intelligence. He would grab cherries from the bag my sister and I were eating from, eat all the flesh and leave the core clean with the stem and put it in the bowl we used for scraps. He would crack open peanuts, remove the skin, eat the nut. My father took him hiking in the forest with the dog. Second time he went, as he recognized the route, he climbed a tree and waited there, as halfway my father would take an unnecessary path just to make a U-turn there. The raccoon joined back after. He would be sneaky when trying to steal us, be surprised when caught, then try again with another strategy. He laughed at my dog while pulling her fur and taking a ride on her back. He was extremely curious and enjoyed exploration. He was learning by imitating us, but then went for another task because he already got the value from this and had to fulfill his curiosity and eager to learn from something else. On rare occasions, he did show signs of affection and slept on my laps once. He really wanted to go inside but we didn't let him. One time, the patio door was opened just a inch, he tried to open it, pushed with his arms and legs against the other edge, and he got frustrated because he knew he understood exactly how it is supposed to be open but was just not strong enough. He had a personality. Independent, proud and lean to self-reliance, showed signs of frustration when he failed or even shame, but was also very playful. All and all, I would dare to say that his abilities of reasoning, understanding and solving complex problems were at least equivalent or comparable to a 4 or 5 years old human child. That may seem exaggerated but I'm confident it's accurate. I'm not saying as intelligent in all aspects, I couldn't know. But from observing his behavior, his problems solving skills, yes, for sure. It was fascinating. Seems incredible, while in fact it's totally logical and make perfect sense. They use these skills for survival, just like we did.

[@MsShandy111]

Thank you for that interesting and beautiful story.

[@jphalsberghe1]

Thanks, amen ms Shandy

[@Brandon68plus1]

My father said they raised a baby raccoon and it was a great pet til it got older and then it played a little too aggressive and rough so they turned it loose

[@GT-vs2fm]

The most important TED talk I have ever seen.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

This is one of the most brilliant presentations I have ever seen. Thank you from the bottom of my animal heart. ❤❤❤

[@patriciakunz1198]

This talk was beautifully and poignantly presented. What an incredible understanding human being. Let us learn understanding from him.

[@blthetube1962]

I believe that some, if not all animals are telepathic. I sleep with my door closed and suffer from anxiety from time to time. Almost without fail, both my dog and later my cat would come to the door and make their presence known if I was having stressing thoughts. It didn't matter if I was laying perfectly still, they knew.

[@harmonysheart9862]

Fantastic! EVERYONE should see this talk.

[@joannebrazeau6533]

I thank you in behalf of all the animals for your tenderness!🙏

[@tuter1972]

And unborn babies.....

[@harrietsand9715]

How you treat animals is a window into your character. Gandhi declared " A country is only as great as the way it treats its animals".

[@bjorndra]

Wouldn't say that india is that greate, alot of poop

[@penelopepurr]

That is not what Gandhi said.

[@harrietsand9715]

penelopepurr Yes it was! He was also a vegetarian. Go look up Gandhi quotes dear, before you put out false information!

[@harrietsand9715]

For those of you who have difficulty understanding what Gandhi meant, how a person treats animals is basically a personal decision for unfortunately there are few laws protecting them. It becomes a conscious choice that runs deep into the moral fiber of the individual. When and if a person begins to awaken clarity begins to unfold as to the connectivity of every living organism which leads to the understanding that if you hurt or cause suffering to another living creature, you hurt yourself in the process.

[@harrietsand9715]

penelopepurr What's your point? Whether it's an exact word for word quote, I believe I've captured the true meaning behind the quote.

[@SKT293]

You touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't agree with you more...humans need to use their brains and think about the permanent damage we cause our friends and family!

[@davidevans3223]

Animals are not people in fact it's accepted by everyone that one human is worth infinite number of animal's. Even vegans otherwise they would stop eating after killing a few billion animal's and certainly wouldn't have kid's

[@daanw6270]

Facts. Start using that brain and stop buying and consuming animals.

[@MsShandy111]

Absolutely! At the moment Russia is invading Ukraine. On the news we see civilians dead and traumatized people suffering. Humans can be a brutal species.

[@JolieGaronne]

OMG! THIS needs to be seen and shared everywhere! Carl Safina speaks with so much accuracy.

[@jaapongeveer6203]

I have had a close encounter with a humpback whale. It came up a mere 3 metres from my kayak and looked at me. We were eye to eye and I swear we communicated. It was one of the most profound experiences of my life.

[@skelm4978]

What an honour.

[@rachel_v_k]

That's amazing! You're so lucky to have had such an experience.

[@MDHDH-iy7nm]

Humpbacks are arguably the smartest non-human animal on the planet. The same unique characteristics in Chimps and Humans are ONLY found in whales on Earth. Only those 3.

[@rogerivy2919]

i agree with u! u only need to look at a horse sometimes to get a simliar feeling

[@Grizzlybears_mom]

Wow

[@carrieoff]

I was five years old when I sussed out what the meat on my plate was. I haven’t eaten it since. I’m now 47. I bought my daughter up not eating meat but gave her the choice when she was old enough as it had to be her decision. We are both now vegan. Fantastic Ted talk

[@ericscaillet2232]

We have similar paths...

[@StoryVoracious]

I wish that there were many more people like you and your daughter. I felt the same as a child, but was compelled and lied to by my extended family, only my Mum understood. I now actively encourage others around me that eating other species is a bad idea. Vegan is the best way to be. Well done you.

[@atennyson4143]

That is awesome. I am also a proud.Veg/Vegan ... but it took me a little longer than you ;)

[@StoryVoracious]

@Baba Ganush , Respectfully sir, I am not at all trying to be high minded, I am trying to be kinder. I know that in most cases good ain't nice. The fact is for me; I don't NEED, to eat animals so I don't. My conscience won't stand it anymore. I never really did enjoy meat to begin with, and having the luxury of living in an affluent, first world country, I have so many excellent vegetarian options. Just seeing the apathetic cruelty and sometimes abject immoralities that occur within the meat producing industry, it has put me off for good. I can't live with myself knowing that I would pay people to do those things just because I like a flavour. Definitely not trying to be high minded.

[@carrieoff]

Baba Ganush great name/dish

[@xeniavega9404]

I can't stop crying!! The world needs humans with your sensitivity!!! May the Universe bless you for this message!! I hope millions of people can watch this video!! I have in my personal jornal lots of stories of my dogs, my cats, my lovebirds, my rabbit my ducks giving me messages, signs...they know, they love, they care!!🐕🐈🐇🕊🦆

[@marilynblotsky4085]

I so agree. Everything is connected & our animals are sensitive and loving unconditionally.

[@Maria-yu9qd]

I hope you're vegan.

[@sarahl9201]

Wow. I wish everyone everywhere could see this

[@efdavis]

Always felt this way. Wish more people in the world would see this in the hopes that they may appreciate and respect nature even more!

[@joeloweryourexpectationsbiden]

Wish people like you would educate yourselves instead of believe everything you hear.

[@bb9a]

@@joeloweryourexpectationsbiden on what?

[@frankjones4357]

"If having a soul means being able to feel Love and Loyalty and Gratitude, then animals are better off then humans."- James Herriot.

[@lapislazarus8899]

I love James Herriot

[@martymcmannis9121]

Humans have the soul of the spirit. Animals have the soul of the body. Big difference.

[@activellabella5076]

@@martymcmannis9121 Lol and who told you that?

[@jencanadian1971]

This is such a poignant speech. I am an animal healer and communicator. I do a lot of work with wild animals as well as pets. One thing I have noticed is that certain animals will start to recognize you if you connecting us with them. I used to do a lot of work on Crows and a couple of years after I first started doing work on them I had a crow fly over my car as I was picking up drive-thru dinner and I noticed him. I said hello to him and all of a sudden he sent me a huge amount of Love through my heart that I could feel energetically. I have only experienced this a few other times in my life with dogs I would treat in the park who I didn't know but I always do work on them when I am out and about regardless. The purest love I have felt has come from the animals and I hope to continue to share this message so that people can really understand what they have sacrificed for us not only in the context of nutrition but also in the context of everything they have sacrificed for us in war and helping us survive throughout our lives. They provide us with the greatest Comfort when we are dealing with human conflict or severe anxiety. They are healers as well. I had a dog treat me and teach me energetically for a severe migraine. Our pets heal us regularly. They can absorb our issues sometimes to their own detriment. They are far more intuitive and intelligent than people think for sure. Thank you!🙏🏻💖

[@islesanctum833]

If you read this I'd like your reply When you loose a pet (death) I wonder if they might ever come back? I wonder where they go after leaving this earth existence

[@jencanadian1971]

@@islesanctum833 animals automatically go to heaven directly when they pass over. Generally they will not reincarnate in the same lifetime that you are in but it doesn't mean it's not possible. What usually will happen is they will join you in another lifetime. This is similar to the relationships we have with other people as well. But it's not set in stone necessarily. Miracles are always possible. One thing I do know for sure is that when you cross over before you ever see your loved ones all of the animals who have been in your life and loved you will step forward first to welcome you. If you get a new pet and you happen to notice that this pet is embodying energies from a previous fur baby you had, it could either be a reincarnation or it could just be that they are connecting with the other one on the other side. My current cat is a cat I've shared many lifetimes with, and she has embodied energies from at least two cats I've had in this lifetime.

[@cynthiajcandelaria6667]

I taught my cat Derby, or rather asked her to say, "Momma." She practiced and practiced awaiting my response after each session to get my reaction in which after each time I praised her and told her to keep practicing. She finally surprised me by saying "Momma" five times in repetition and I was astonished! She continues for many years to say it clearly audible. It made me think that animals, in general, can truly understand us and should not be underestimated.

[@peggysouther4484]

Yes...so true! Look at how they pick up and seem to understand ....whatever language they are born into! I’ll watch so everything and say they’re speaking Thai...or Russian...and they understand! I’m always marveling how smart they are!

[@angieboast4501]

I would swear on my grave that my cat did that when I was little. We had a very special bond ❤

[@redrumax]

My dog is very vocal, makes all kinds of sounds like she tries to speak to me. I am sure sometimes she tries to say human words... Animals are so precious.

[@kathlenesims767]

Ikat my cat started talking to other people

[@stephenm9285]

@@kathlenesims767 were you jealous?

[@sherry5136]

Every living thing has a spirit every living being has feeling & thoughts I hope all human kind will come to have more awareness & respect for all living being 🙏

[@debbih0813]

I so agree. So beautifully said Sherry. ❤️

[@christinaayres84]

This just made me cry man. I hope this sparks the feels with many more into being more aware and respectful of all living things. For this is all so amazing. A lot gets taken for granted.

[@ravendragonsong5842]

My creatures love me as I love them, I know this, I have been witness to the joy my turkey's have when I get home from work or visiting my children for a few days. My critters get mad at me and miss me and get depressed when we lose one of our family. They think and feel like we do, just differently than we do.

[@maidinulster]

Sir you reduced me to tears…I wish this Tedx could be carved into the hearts of every human being

[@TheYellowRoseOfTexas]

This made me cry!!! You are to be praised for so brilliantly conveying this important message to recognize and honor ALL life!!!

[@emmalikesflowers]

“Our idea of human importance needs to change. We are just another life form on the planet.” Sadhguru

[@onetwothree4148]

And thus you have reached the self-defeating logical conclusion of this argument. If the premise of your thought is "we should treat animals the same as humans," and the conclusion is "humans should stop eating other animals, but it's okay for other animals to eat other animals" you have a serious contradiction. Unless you advocate keeping animals from eating each other, you are not treating humans and animals as equals if you keep humans from eating animals. To morally judge humans for eating other animals, but not animals for doing so, would be to put humans below animals, unless you are suggesting that humans should be held to a higher standard than other animals- because they are not equals. It's far more rational to conclude that our idea of humans as morally superior to animals needs to change. There is nothing sinful about humanity; we are equal.

[@rayk5598]

If we are not special, important or morally superior, then we absolutely has no need to ever go vegan or make any effort to save or care about other species. I have never seen any other species making the collective and conscious decision to do any of this.

[@rdh-daliasjb3796]

Okay, One two three and Rayk, now use your brain's and think in the other direction: What are the reasons we shouldn't eat other animals? (Especially breeding them to kill)

[@79069191998]

@@rayk5598 We also have never seen any other species turn our planet into the ecological catastrophe and destroy 60% of other species. Now we can help solve this crime against nature by at least not eating animals and not killing ourselves and the rest of biodiversity by doing so.

[@juusohamalainen7507]

Every creature has its level of intelligence. We humans are most probably the cleverest animals on Earth. We may want to have higher moral code than other animals and we understand killing is not the right thing to do, not even for food. Hence we can set higher standards for ourselves than what lower level animals use. That simple. Life is not legal struggles for equal rights. It is much more

[@cheriemitchem8962]

I came to a new place with a broken heart and was outside crying and crying.. a deer approached me and just stood there and listened to me with her eyes filled with intense compassion, and I felt a profound connection and sense of knowing that I was where I was meant to be, and that I was strong enough to go through the pain and it would pass.

[@carolmiller5713]

I'm an animal lover & pet sitter (as opposed to owner) because I've been traveling most of the year for the last few years. In November 2019 I was in Thailand & had my first face-to-face encounter with elephants at a rescue farm. As a small woman I was petrified by these giants but as soon as I fed, bathed & walked thru the jungle with them I felt like we were family. The feeling used to be that animals had no compassion, empathy or understanding. That myth has been shattered, showing often that animals apparently, have far more empathy, compassion & ethics than many humans.

[@thompsonsmith7798]

Hello Carol How are you doing?

[@klaudia7470]

I love this speech so much! Have 2 cats and I can tell you right now - they are smart, caring, loving, have their habits and temper 😍 I'm proud and honored to be their human 😘🤗

[@stanleydenning]

This man knows what he is talking about. And he is correct.

[@chrisbranciere2747]

He's a little confused, though. He referred to humans as predators. Humans are destructive but not natural predators. Humans have no natural predator reflexes.

[@aidanpond8940]

@@chrisbranciere2747 ??? what is a natural predator reflex, and what does that have to do with being a predator or not? We prey. So we are predators.

[@chrisbranciere2747]

@@aidanpond8940 "??? what is a natural predator reflex, and what does that have to do with being a predator or not?" If you can't even name one predator reflex you possess, you don't have one. Lions have visual streaks in which the highest concentration of photoreceptors occupy this area devoted to triggering the lion when he sees something move in his field. Consequently, he does not have many color receptors so he does not have trichromatic color vision. Humans have the highest amount of photoreceptors in the fovea instead so humans see color and lack the visual streak. "We prey. So we are predators." No. We don't. No we aren't. Do you understand that you are an individual? Do you have an identity? Are you that culturally conditioned?

[@SuppositionalBox]

@@chrisbranciere2747 I hate to be the one to tell you but us *Omnivores* have developed something of a "Shape-Recognition" system. When we see the shape of a human head or body, we usually look to see who it is. This is not strictly just for recognizing others of our species. This "reflex" also leads to phenomenon like Pareidolia, which is the act of seeing images in the clouds among many other conditions. We aren't strictly predatory but we DO have quite the ability to hunt living prey. Just because we don't have a specific set of skills does not mean we do not participate in their related actions.

[@drameday]

Chris Branciere : Humans have been hunting other animals to consume as food as far back as there are cave drawings to record it. I’d say that makes us predators. Also, a common trait of predators is forward facing eyes. Most prey animals have eyes on the sides of their skull. Are your eyes on the sides of your head? Vegetarians, vegans, and other bleeding heart estrogen producers can deny humans being natural predators all they want, but it changes nothing. We are predators with oversized brains which put us at the very top of the food chain, like it or not.

[@rosengrenj9]

We spend all this time worrying about the "human family," and we forget that literally every living thing on our world is our family

[@OJASCKI]

Yep. Birdsong is true art. I used to record individual birds and analyse their rhythms and phrasing. If you slow the recordings down it's easier to pick up on the nuances, you can really feel the character! They sing their hearts out when the sun is beaming and go quiet when it's cold and grey. I think cognition can vary a lot between animals but there are elements of it there in most. Emotion though is undeniable. Their emotional responses can differ from ours but of course they do, they are adapted to different environments than us. I think there is the same light in every animal, all that differs is the tool-set.

[@spookycat3361]

Why are humans so determined to find intelligent life on other planets, when we can find it right here in the animal kingdom, yet choose to ignore it?

[@joeloweryourexpectationsbiden]

Consciousness yes, intelligence no

[@PaszerDye]

It's arrogance. In terms of rights, animals are basically slaves but are also in a position worse off. We can't elevate them to out level because they are different species. The fact we've used animals as commodities doesn't help either. Most people are too stuck in their thinking to treat a things they deem as 'commodity' with kindness.

[@PaszerDye]

@@joeloweryourexpectationsbiden Animals are intelligent, but they don't have the same level of intelligence as us. You're being arrogant.

[@anhbayar11]

Bcause they are less intelligent.

[@terriephillips2294]

Thank you Spooky Cat.

[@Adrinbig]

I love this talk.

[@shadowdancer2439]

The best speech I have ever heard on the relationship between humans and the natural world.

[@livondiramerian6999]

Animals have feelings, emotions, & thoughts, we should take care of them.

[@JensVanDeAarde]

the idea of us „taking care of them“ is just another arrogant and egocentric way of holding them under control! JUST LET THEM BE

[@closebutnope4978]

@@JensVanDeAarde We've done too much damage to just let them be. With the invasive species we transport around the world, the top predators we've overhunted to extinction long ago, not to mention human caused climate change is ruining their habitats. We have to be creative and come up with artificial ways to mimic natural processes that we screwed up.

[@juicebox464]

They don't need us at all we just need to get wiped off this planet and the world and everything in it would be better off

[@JensVanDeAarde]

@@juicebox464 your type of people are called pessimists

[@brownrecluse3526]

Yeah and stop eating them & go vegitarian like the original biblical days.

[@ThisIsMe...]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE ANIMALS

[@mienamie4448]

AMEN.

[@julluj5624]

So I suppose you are vegan or vegetarian. Love animals and in the same time eating them is contradictory

[@ThisIsMe...]

@@julluj5624 Yes I'm vegan

[@lichtloper]

"Every one of those (animals) worthy of being saved on Noah’s Arc is on mortal danger now. And the flood is us. "

[@jenisays2]

Hands down...one of the best TED talks I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Well said, sir. Very well said. Thank you.

[@Flopthelot58]

Brilliant talk, wish it went viral and woke people up.

[@wholeshebang1]

If each of us who watches it shares it, it will go viral. I'm sharing it on FB.

[@maryortega4001]

@@wholeshebang1 Leave the plants alone they too are smart, smarter than most people.

[@wrenlittle8826]

I started crying at 0:51 knowing I would be challenged on my own selfishness. How did we become so arrogant, believing we are omnipotent? Does it count that I am embarrassed to be human? Thank You.

[@jacquelynpowell7964]

You don't have to be embarrassed. Go vegan. I know you can do it. There are so many of us now.

[@mediaquest123]

How did we become so cry responsive all of a sudden? Is that what chem trails do? We need to save ourselves first then the animals, is just me or do we kill far more humans for entertainment. Im watching some fake news if that aint real on tv

[@sulfur7082]

It only counts if you change your actions to reflect your newfound perspective. If not, it's literally worse than useless. It's knowing you're doing something wrong, and continuing to do it anyway.

[@wrenlittle8826]

@@sulfur7082 I agree. It is kind of like wearing make up. Thanks for for giving me a push in the "No Try, Do" way. cheers. BTW it is not a "New Found Perspective". I am pretty seasoned. LOL

[@sulfur7082]

@@wrenlittle8826 For sure :) Hope you're doing well

[@jacquelynpowell7964]

I grew up in an abusive family. When my father would be in a drunken rampage I would hide with my kitten in a very large box with clean rags in it that my mom kept in the basement.I'd cover my kitten and myself with the rags and my father came down to the basement screaming and yelling my kitten never made a sound. She knew I needed her and helped me with intense fear. I've had cats most of my life and they have helped me with PTSD and many other crippling disabilities. I've always known that cats ( and all animals) have intelligentsia not just instincts. I so wish people would understand this.😿

[@raphaelklaussen1951]

It is great that cats have kept you company during your trying life. Cats have great intelligence, but lack the ability to control their impulses, their brains lack a frontal cortex. Cats are, basically, like little children who never grow up. They suffer immensely if we ignore them, they have empathy for each other and for their human companions (a cat suffers when he/she sees another cat suffering), they dream like we do, and they have a language rich enough to express simple phrases and thoughts.

[@Squirrellynutz]

This is one of the best talks I’ve ever seen on KZbin. I hope more people see this & take it to heart. Animals are much more intelligent than most people think & they are sentient beings that deserve our respect.

[@hunny8341]

My cat developed a language to use with us. For example, she has a very distinctly sounding meow she only uses as "hello". (Never to ask for food or any favors). A few days ago I was sleeping in my room when she came in, and she used this meow with the end going up as a question, as if saying: "are you there?" Then when I made a sound she came up to me.

[@OtherWorldLea]

To love animals is to treat them as equals.

[@rickylahey724]

it's not necessary to love them or treat them as equal, but basic respect (not needlessly killing and exploiting them) IS necessary if we are to be consistent with our innate moral code

[@freedomforall3837]

ricky lahey in other words, we should all be vegan!

[@OtherWorldLea]

Treat them as equals in a different respect. Obviously animals don't need rights to vote or drive a car. But the right to be recognized and respected.

[@han2968]

Shaunalea Archer yep, equal consideration of interests, not equal rights

[@pjschuster61]

Freedom for All - Yes we should

[@katwilsey1250]

Wow!!!! What a major perspective shift! This needs to be heard by every human!!

[@ericajones137]

I love this. I've always known that there's really no difference between animals and humans in the sense they feel - are aware - make choices, etc.. Why even think any differently? Because humans have some weird relationship with superiority. Anyway. love this video.