Who among us has not experienced a moment that made them feel that the animal world possesses some share of consciousness? Of course, we are not referring to human intelligence, which is uniquely attributed to humankind. It is important to distinguish between consciousness, awareness, and intelligence, as these are not identical concepts.
For a long time, the scientific community largely denied the idea that animals could possess consciousness. This view persisted until around the mid 20th century. In the 17th century, René Descartes represented the prevailing thought of his time when he argued that animals were mere automata—living beings that function mechanically, without any form of awareness. By contrast, the naturalist Charles Darwin supported the notion that animals have a sense of self-awareness and a degree of consciousness.
Part of the difficulty in addressing this question historically lay in the scientific maxim: “All we can know about animals depends on what we observe in their behavior. We can describe what they do, but we cannot know what goes on in their minds.” Despite this, ecologists and naturalists who closely observed wild animals never doubted that they possessed awareness.
Researchers have now spent decades studying wild animals, carefully documenting their behaviors and social interactions. Over time, many began to describe animals with terms usually reserved for humans, recognizing clear differences in their personalities. Some animals are bold, others shy; some are more aggressive, while others display maturity and restraint. Even young animals can show varying degrees of assertiveness compared to their peers.
Scientists have noted, for example, that first-time animal mothers are often less skilled in caring for their offspring, while experienced mothers are calmer and more confident. Wolves, too, show striking differences: some are strict and aggressive, while others are gentler. In wolf pack conflicts, certain victors kill their rivals, while others choose mercy even after winning. Bears display signs of empathy, while horses possess deep emotions—sometimes even shedding tears when grieving the loss of a companion. Experiments continue to demonstrate that rats and crows possess remarkable levels of awareness, often surprising scientists, with some arguing their consciousness may surpass that of primates such as monkeys and chimpanzees.
We also see surprising friendships form across different species—relationships that appear inexplicable yet undeniably real. For these reasons, wildlife researchers increasingly conclude that animals are not only conscious but also have distinct personalities that differentiate individuals within the same species, much as we see among humans.
Although there is no simple or definitive answer to the question of self-awareness in animals, this line of research leads to profound and sometimes astonishing insights into what animals are, what they know, and what they feel. We may never fully understand the depth of animal consciousness, but personally, I believe animals are nations in their own right—beings endowed with awareness, though one that differs from our own.
