That’s a question I’ve thought about lately…

And the fact that I was able to think of such a question was simply amazing…because, after all, that’s what separates us as from the other species that exist, does it not? We’re not the fastest nor strongest, we can’t jump highest nor spread some wings to fly…but that doesn’t matter

It’s our self-consciousness that’s important, our intelligence, that very same thing that baffles us to this day…how did we get it? Where did we come from? And why are we light years ahead in terms of intelligence compared to other species? Those types of questions may not be answered in our lifetime, but it sure doesn’t hurt to ask…

Which brings me to another point, are animals aware of their own mortality? Do they know that they’ll eventually die? Sure, one could argue that if approached by a species higher up in the food chain, they (victim) may realize something is wrong, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they had actualized their own mortality…

Elephants are known to linger over the bones of long-dead relatives…

but what exactly would they be doing there? Grieving as a human would at a cemetery? Pondering their own existence? Both?

Once could also argue that all species are aware and use starvation as a means to prove it…they could ask “Why an animal would be in search for food, don’t they realize that they’ll die?” - good point, BUT, could it not be argued that they’re in search to satisfy the ‘now’ ? What about a new- born child who cries to his mother when he’s hungry, surely he can not be aware of mortality at such a young age?

Contrast with an intelligent adult who’s aware that “If I don’t find food soon, I’m going to die” - which brings us into panic mode, whether or not it helps is dependent on the person….

But, back to the animal…in terms of mortality, is there a definite answer? I’m not so sure there is….surely we understand that the animals are smart enough to be aware of their existence and do, in fact, have emotions (they cry, etc)…but what does that mean for them in terms of mortality? And does it prove anything?

I guess you’ll have to decide on that yourself…

Wouldn’t it be interesting if, judging by someone’s face alone, could tell whether or not their smile was genuine? A person’s body language may give away some tell-tale signs, but is it really enough?

What if you could just look at someone and immediately decipher their smile? What if I told you it’d be impossible for them to deceive you or anyone else with a trained eye?

According to this snippet from a BBC documentary, the secret lies in fact that different parts of your brain control the ways you smile. After you’ve finished watching the 2 minute video below, you could always try the online test and let us know how you scored on our forums…

Think you’re ready to take the test? Try it by clicking here

Everyone has heard of the preeminent Pale Blue Dot taken by Voyager 1 in the early 90’s. It signified the saying that it is indeed a small world after all. But how many of you have seen the Earth’s size in relation to the other planets and stars? To us, a planet that is approximately 8,000 miles in diameter and 25,000 miles at the Equator is surely a sign of something vast…but to the Universe, this isn’t so.

The following pictures reveal to us the size of Earth in relation to the other planets (including a Dwarf Planet) and stars.

^ Now, we all know that a picture is worth a thousand words…but how much is a video worth?

In the meantime, why not visit our forums ?