They who have the audacity to group and compare the survival instincts of animals with the psychological qualities of man demonstrate that they are superficial and purblind because they perceive neither the restricted features of animals, nor the general, free, independent, and infinite character of man…
It is impossible, right from the onset, to compare man to animals because there is an infinite chasm separating the two from each other…They who equate the traits of animals (when taken collectively) to the virtues and qualities of man, or the works and actions of animals to the works and accomplishments of the human intellect, and draw conclusions concerning their similarity err upon the very fundamental basis of the comparison; thus, their conclusions are incorrect…
What type of comparison and can be made between the works of animals and the technological advancements or the miracles of science attained by man? How greatly is poor man deceived as a result of superficial examination! What is there in common between the instincts and the never-changing capacities of animals and the scientific
achievements of man? Man is extremely deceived, nearsighted, and blind!
Why can he not discern and distinguish the difference between human beings and animals? How have educated people strayed away from true
science to such an extent as to classify humans and animals together!
How are they able to recognize the similarity that exists in their anatomical composition yet unable to perceive the difference that exists in their spirits?
What is there in common between man and monkeys? If their similar physical appearance brings them together, their dissimilar spirit sets them apart to such an extent that the ability to compare the two vanishes. Was God perhaps obliged to create a different [anatomical] form for the embodiment of man, totally unlike any other found within the animal kingdom, prior to breathing His Divine breath into man, in order to render him an image of God? No, dear reader. God’s divine breath is so magnificent and noble that it was capable of rendering man an exceptional
and preeminent being even by using an inferior template [for his body].
by St. Nektarios
