You knuckledraggers stay out of this, please.
Does anyone wonder why humans are the only creature whose spines point toward the heavens?
I’m sure there is something significantly meaningful about that.
I think you have stumbled on to something here. I suppose our most common choice of posture makes it much easier to make peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches. Also, we can drive our suvs and see over the steering wheel.
Point toward the heavens? […grimmace…]
Do you truly believe that God is some sort of sky-giant or god of thunder?
I’m pretty sure that the spines on a porcupine point towards the heavens. Or at least a lot of them do. Ditto a hedgehog. Ditto an echidna.
beats Libertarian with the Kneejerk Hippie Stick Down boy, it’s a figure of speech until the questioner says “God exists because he designed us uniquely from common animals.” If he wants to say that, super for him, but that is another discussion. He could be inferring that we were genetically engineered by aliens. … which is really the same thing, but also another discussion. 
As for this one, humans are not the only critters to stand upright. A number of animals are able to act on their hind legs, at least for some time. Also, there are unique characteristics at least as rare as standing upright, including ability to swim and hold breath, designs of bone structure, opposable thumbs, long term monogamous relationships (a trait rapidly diminishing in humans)… really, ability to walk upright and opposable thumbs relate well to each other. Keep in mind that humans are horribly inefficient, and our odds of survival aren’t that great unless we function socially. Look at our loss of smelling and keen eyesight in favor of sharper, more color-detailed vision at closer ranges.
From all the evidence I’ve seen, I would conclude (WAG) that a number of similar critters evolved over time and interbred or killed each other out competing for resources. Really, I think we are a fluke. Except for one thing, and one thing that distinguishes us more and raises more questions than being bipedal.
Why are our brains more sophisticated? Other critters have social behavior and the same basic hunting/coordination functions. They have the same facial/scent recognition abilities. Some use tools. But what happened along the way that resulted in sophisticated development of clear regional languages and manipulation of surroundings? Why are our brains so malleable? Was there some genetic quirk with some ape that allowed him to use tools more effectively, developing the need for more accurate closer vision and more centralized living conditions, as well as more useful appendages, leading to standing upright as the hands became tools more than support or transportation? Of course, evolution-wise, it wouldn’t be one guy suddenly being more useful with a sharpened rock, but a slow trend in them developing this ability, but the premise is the same.
Piers Anthony actually wrote a book (Isle of Woman) that is now a series (I’ve never read the rest of it) that got me quite interested in the development of humanity. I’ve never seen it presented in such a tone before. This was when I was young and Christian, and the ideas frightened me at first (I think I ended up throwing it away, a great loss that I suffer as a symbol of blindness, fear, and intolerance) but keep coming back to me. Just another one of those fields that I could spend a lifetime locked in a library studying, but lack the intelligence, capacity, and patience to do.
It really is quite amazing that we progressed from discovering written language to smashing atoms to pieces to figure out what they are made of in roughly 3000 years, though.
Zagadka wrote:
I’m afraid not, Kimosabe.
By the totality of the evidence (like other threads, for instance) it seems clear that Sinful holds a creationist interpretation of the origins of man.
Even without knowing that, you ought to be able to discern a deeper metaphysical question with the OP’s final remark. What could possibly be significantly meaningful about spines pointing (more or less) vertically (in most cases, except for people with rickets and so forth)?
Indeed, if there were truly any deeper meaning, wouldn’t we have our eyes pointing towards the heavens? Or maybe our mouths so we can sing praises? Or…
This whole topic is just plain silly.
That’s the word I was looking for. Silly.
I think seahorses spend more time upright than we do.
You misspelled Zagadka.
Nope, I’m newhere, and I have not yet developed the close, personal relationship necessary for judging the comments of others yet.
On the other hand, regardless of if he is trolling, raising a religious question, or you are trolling (or a combination of all of them), I seem to be the only person who bothered to come up with some kind of answer instead of spouting something inane (or humorous, in the case of others).
Zagadka wrote:
No, I simply misjudged a sense of humor.
Well, I really wasn’t relying on my close, personal, month-long relationship with Sinful. Just common sense.
Speculations about trolling are counterproductive (as well as forbidden). You might want to bother reading the FAQs in About This Messagebord.
That said, I thought your post was not entirely without merit. I just didn’t like the part that painted me like some sort of Chiuaua.
For someone with a keen sense of humor, you lack a nose for sarcasm.
“By the totality of the evidence (like other threads, for instance)”
Once again, your keen sense of wit triumphs.
./salute
Withdrawn. I’m really here more to discuss than bicker.
Well, you asked for it
I asked for nothing of the sort. Kindly admit your error.
… 2?
Well, to start with, we’re not all that good at walking upright, yet. Ever hear of a truss for a hernia? Or a simple backache right in the small of your back? Some minor flaws with the design.
On the other hand, there were quite a few bipedal dinosaurs… and their descendants, the Birds, often stand around quite vertically. Especially the noble Penguins. Ever see a flock of penguins standing?
[Moderator Hat: ON]
OK, guys, this topic is bad enough without degenerating into an “I’m Rubber, You’re Glue” fight.
Let’s either get a debate in here (though it’s hard for me to imagine much of a real debate) or just let it drop.
David B, SDMB Great Debates Moderator
[Moderator Hat: OFF]
Do penguins technically flock? Hm. I’d also point to the lovable yet evil squirrels and the type that stand on their hind legs and use semi-opposable thumbs and arfticulated fingers to manipulate objects.
I have to point out, E-Sabbath, that 4 legged critters get bone disorders in the back and especially legs as well. But you are correct - we are continually evolving.
Forget it Lib. Zagadka is someone who in apparent all seriousnesssays
Sorry, David, but I have to digress from saying something to fall over laughing.
:wally
Back to your reguarly scheduled show, Waiting For Someone To Say Something Half Intelligent
My apologies, David.