In this blog post, I revisit the relationship between humans and animals through the film Planet of the Apes, posing questions about human superiority.
Over thousands of years, humans have continuously advanced science and technology, transforming their way of life. Within the framework of human knowledge, humans are arguably the only animals on Earth to have built civilizations and conquered nature. In ancient times, humans utilized nature; since the Middle Ages, they have sought to dominate it. Yet today, in the 21st century, human focus is no longer on nature itself, but rather on ‘technology for humans’—such as extending lifespan and conquering incurable diseases. To advance technology for humans, animals like dogs and cows, or even primates similar to humans such as chimpanzees and orangutans, are being used instead of humans. Even now, animals used as test subjects are confined in cages and observed at research institutions around the world.
What might animals think about the current situation where humans freely exploit them? We cannot hear the animals’ stories, but surely no animal wants to be treated as an inferior being and exploited. Perhaps animals, unable to endure unjust treatment, harbor thoughts of dominating humans. Most would agree that animals were not born to be exploited by humans, nor were humans born with the inherent right to exploit animals. So, is it truly right to sacrifice animals in the name of pursuing human happiness and advancing science and technology?
Tim Burton’s film Planet of the Apes (2001) addresses this very issue. Watching the society of apes in the film, which treats humans as pets, workers, or slaves, naturally brings to mind humans in modern society. Humans today consider themselves superior to all other animals and take the sacrifice of animals for the advancement of science and technology for granted. Like the ape Ari in the film, there are calls in modern society to respect animal rights. Yet scientists, while seemingly compromising with such arguments, still use many animals in experiments. The film presents a society opposite to reality, appearing to satirize modern society. By switching perspectives with animals, it conveys the message that human thinking is dangerous.
One line spoken by an ape in the film is particularly meaningful. In the scene where the protagonist Leo and his companions go to meet his allies, Leo tells Ari, “The smarter humans get, the more dangerous the world becomes.” We often forget that as human knowledge increases and science and technology advance, other animals and nature become increasingly endangered. We are satisfied with the convenience advanced technology brings to our lives, yet remain indifferent to the sacrifices it entails.
One crucial foundation enabling today’s diverse advanced technologies that make human life convenient is undoubtedly the sacrifice of animals. Yet modern humans have become excessively insensitive to the animal sacrifices hidden behind scientific and technological progress. A key reason for this phenomenon is the mindset that views animals as vastly inferior beings compared to humans. We consider human rights but rarely ponder ‘animal rights’. Most people strongly assert their ‘human rights’ and react fiercely when they suffer loss or unfair treatment. Yet, they show little concern when unrelated individuals endure the same fate. Moreover, they pay no attention whatsoever to the plight of animals, who cannot even communicate with humans, and often accept it as a matter of course. The danger of this mindset becomes starkly clear when we consider the possibility that a more advanced biological group than humans might exist. Watching apes dominate and disrespect humans in the film makes us reconsider how we treat animals. We realize how misguided it is to emphasize only human rights. ‘Human rights’ are a concept created to protect human dignity. Similarly, animals, as living beings, deserve recognition of their dignity, and we must consider ‘animal rights’.
Of course, one could argue that, given humanity’s position at the top of the food chain, animal sacrifice improves human quality of life. There’s also the logic that this might lead humans to care for animals better. However, such arguments overlook a crucial point: human exploitation of animals means artificially manipulating the ecosystem. No matter how well modern humans utilize nature, they cannot create living beings or establish natural cycles. Therefore, if we continue exploiting animals based on human-centric logic, the very animals we should be caring for may eventually disappear. Countless species that once existed have been driven to extinction by humans, and many animals remain critically endangered today. ‘Extinction’ is an irreversible tragedy for humanity. In this way, ecological destruction could ultimately prevent humans from utilizing nature appropriately.
However, this does not mean we can ignore scientific and technological progress while only considering the value of animals. Resources available for human use on Earth are limited, while the population is growing exponentially. Without continuous scientific and technological innovation, no one can guarantee humanity’s future. However, to achieve ‘sustainable development,’ we must abandon the notion that humans are superior to animals. We need development for coexistence—development that ‘cherishes nature and lives alongside animals.’ This aligns with the ‘sustainable development’ frequently discussed as environmental issues emerge today.
Consider another scene from the film. When the protagonist Leo, who had educated the chimpanzee, returns to Earth from the planet where the chimpanzee had landed, he once again witnesses a society of apes. While outwardly indistinguishable from modern society, a statue of the ape Thade stands where Abraham Lincoln’s statue should be. It is a society where apes have replaced humans in their roles. While the director described this scene as a cliffhanger meant to build anticipation for a sequel, from another perspective, it serves as a reminder of humanity’s arrogance in believing itself superior. It delivers the message that if humans, viewing themselves as noble beings, fail to value other animals and pursue only scientific and technological advancement, they become no different from ‘beasts’ themselves.
Now, about 20 years after the release of Planet of the Apes, society has emphasized and advanced the importance of protecting the natural environment and animals. Yet animal testing and environmental destruction persist, and because they conflict with technological progress, they will likely continue. Therefore, more people—ultimately everyone—must cultivate a consciousness that protects the environment and values the sacrifice of animals. Through this, humanity can achieve true progress: advancing science and technology while building a society that coexists with animals and nature.
