Bird and human embryos. Initially, all vertebrate embryos go through similar stages: cell division, germ layer formation, and pharyngeal arches. This observation dates back to Karl Ernst von Baer (1828). Haeckel's "recapitulation" theory, according to which the embryo replays the entire evolutionary process, is now abandoned. What differs between a chicken and a human is primarily the timing and intensity of gene activity (heterochrony): approximately 21 days of incubation for the former, approximately 38 weeks of gestation for the latter. Developmental biology (evo-devo) confirms that very ancient genes (Hox genes) govern these similarities.

Why do humans dominate? Current explanations point to a brain that is very energy-intensive (approximately 2% of body weight for about 20% of energy), language, large-scale cooperation, cumulative culture, mastery of fire and cooking, and hands adapted for tool use. "Domination" is therefore a matter of ecology and culture, not absolute biological superiority.

Injuries and Energy. Research on post-traumatic stress and negative childhood experiences shows that war and poverty leave lasting marks on the body and mind, and perhaps on subsequent generations (epigenetics, still debated). Regarding the "waste" of energy, the physics of dissipative systems (Prigogine) reminds us that every living organism expends energy to maintain its order: the key is the quality of this energy use.

“Exceptional planet.” Earth is the only planet where life is known to date. However, the thousands of exoplanets discovered there call for caution: the exception is observed, not proven.

Hinduism

The Atman is present in everyone, consciously or unconsciously: ignorance veils it without eliminating it. The Chandogya Upanishad (6) explains the Self through the invisible germ of the seed (tat tvam asi, “you are That”). The Gita opens on a battlefield: it is in the heart of the conflict that Arjuna learns to act and to liberate himself.

Buddhism

The “Buddha-nature” is present in every being, like a seed.

The Dalai Lama calls for universal responsibility: every peaceful mind makes the world more peaceful.

Judaism

Man is created “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27) and is entrusted with the care of creation (Genesis 2:15): a unique place, linked to a responsibility. Psalm 139 depicts God weaving being in the womb of its mother.

Christianity

“Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). Thomas Merton saw contemplation as a source of peace for a world at war.

Islam and Sufism

The Quran describes the stages of embryonic development (23:12-14) and makes man God’s lieutenant (khalifa) on earth (2:30). The “great struggle” (jihad al-akbar), according to Sufi tradition, is the struggle against one’s own ego.

Bahá’í

“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens” (Bahá’u’lláh): inner fulfillment serves the unity of the world.

The interior dimension

Whether we are aware of it or not, a spiritual dimension dwells within each of us. Yet it traverses a world of wounds: armed conflicts, financial maneuvers, clashes between people, and the decisions of those in power. These trials weaken us; they can also become the place where we find fulfillment and liberation.

We all have the energy to come together. Too often, we waste it instead of using it. Those who know their inner resources better contribute more to making this Earth a place worthy of its place in the universe.

Let's set aside morality for a moment and look inside. In birds as in humans, everything begins with the division of a cell: only the duration of development and its outcome differ. Why, then, does humankind dominate other living beings?

Perhaps because it can turn back to its own source and allow itself to be transformed. This power is not a throne, it is a gentle responsibility: to become what we already carry within us in embryo.