You might be a nerd if...

[TheBiggah]

DJ seems to be more grounded in reality on this one. I would argue that self-awareness is a uniquely human ability. I would define "self-awareness" as the ability to think about our very thought process, and that is something that animals are not capable of doing. This is why we can evaluate and learn from others' experiences as well as our own. This is why we can make and break our habits. We are not our feelings. We are not our moods. We are not even our thoughts. The very fact that we can think about these things separates us from them and from the animal world that acts solely on instincts.

Thoreau said "I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor." When was the last time you saw a microbe trying to change it's habits. Alive, yes. Self-aware, not even close.

-TheBiggah-