Over the past few weeks I have been busy doing research for a paper concerning the so-called “missing links” in evolution theory. As I have read and researched this, I have come across numerous evolutionist writings which state that there really isn’t much of a difference between animals and humans. Even magazines such as Time has had stories about how apes and humans aren’t really that different from each other. At first I was very offended by these articles. But then I began thinking about a conversation I had just last week with an ape that lives just 2 houses up the street from me. For matters of privacy, I will call my ape friend “Sam.”

Sam is a hard working ape with a great family. His wife is a fine looking Orangutan and they have two kids. Sam was busy working at the computer (he is a programmer) when I rang his doorbell. As I sat down in his living room, I noticed how clean and well laid out this apes home was. Apes are great house cleaners, and Sam told me his Orangutan wife was the one that should get the credit for the interior design of the home. Apes have intelligence and great creativity, just like humans.

I also noticed a beautiful painting above the fireplace. I thought for sure this painting must have cost this ape family quite a lot of money. But Sam told me it was his ape uncle that actually painted it years ago. Seems this ape uncle has an amazing talent for art, and Sam told me this uncle had learned to draw and paint in grade school. He had actually won an art scholarship! Apes have artistic abilities and talents, just like humans.

I had told Sam that I was having some problems with a few things in life, and I have to tell you, Sam gave me some of the best advice I have ever received! This apes logic and wisdom is beyond measure. Sam’s words really did bring me comfort, and his sense of humor helped me to relax. Oh, some of the jokes that ape tells!  Apes have the ability to use logic, reason, and humor while having an in-depth conversation, just like humans.

Just then Sam’s wife walked in the front door. I told her “hello”, and she responded to me in a language I didn’t understand. I watched a smile appear on her face and she headed toward the kitchen. I turned to Sam and asked him what the deal was. It seems that his Orangutan wife has been studying the Russian language and just wanted to try it out on me. I can only speak English, and I have to admire any ape that can speak more than just English. Apes have language skills just like humans, as well as the ability to learn multiple complicated languages.

Sam and I continued our conversation and the subject turned to philosophy. Before long, Sam had me contradicting myself over and over! This is one well educated ape, and I can see how he has worked his way up the corporate ladder at his computer job. Sam went on to tell me how his ape daughter had chosen to pursue a Masters Degree with an emphasis on history and geography. This young ape not only attends college full time, but also works a part-time job in the evening as a math tutor for high school students. One has to admire such intelligence and drive in such a young ape. Apes have the ability to learn complex mathematical problems, and employ philosophy, just like humans.

Sam bowed his head and told me about his other ape youngster...a boy headed down the wrong path in life. Seems that Sam’s ape son started drinking at a young age which lead to a conviction for drunk driving. Sam told me this kid refuses to get a job and spends most of the day in his room listening to music and playing around on the internet. I could see the sadness in Sam’s eyes each time he talked about his ape son. Sam went on to tell me how his son had excelled in sports in school, and at one time his son had been considered one of the best tennis players in the entire state. It is truly sad to see such a talented youngster headed down the wrong road in life. Apes can play sports, appreciate music, navigate the internet, and use reason to search for the meaning in life, just like humans.

Sam’s wife walked in and asked if I wanted to stay for dinner, but I declined. I must admit, the aroma from the kitchen did tempt me to stay. Seems that this Orangutan is quite the cook! Sam told me his wife puts the same creative flair into her cooking as she did when performing the interior design of their home. Sam had a lot of computer work to catch up on, so I decided to head on home for the evening. This fine ape walked me to the door and told me I could stop by any time and that he would e-mail me sometime.

Now when I think about it, I guess there really isn’t much of a difference between apes and humans. I must stop writing now because this afternoon I rented a movie and I’m going to pop it into the VCR and relax. Come to think of it, maybe I will give the ape family up the street a call. I know that Planet of the Apes is one of their favorite movies. :-)