From Darcia Narvaez
In trying to pin down common characteristics that set us apart from other animals (21 April, p 38), you forgot perhaps the most distinguishing: humans can thwart their basic mammalian needs because of cultural ideology. Some can deny their babies breastfeeding, touch, responsiveness and even play, creating a different nature from their evolutionary heritage.
From Mike Paterson
How about self-justification as a universal characteristic of humans? I would suggest it underlies some of the traits proposed: gossip, the impulse to legislate and, perhaps, science.
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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South Bend, Indiana, US
