What separates humans from animals? We both require sustenance and food to fuel our bodies. We need to drink water, just like animals. Is it our bodies that can move delicately and swiftly? Not quite. Is it our ability to use tools to craft objects? That is certainly part of what makes us human. But, apes already figured out how to craft tools on a primitive level. I believe what makes us human is our capability to empathize with others and connect emotionally.

A difference between humans and animals is that humans can build complex relationships with one another. These start from empathy. Oftentimes, when a friendship starts, it begins from a common interest or common belief. Common beliefs are attained through a similar understanding of a situation. For example, if you got a good grade on a test and your friend did not, instead of trying to fix things, you could empathize. Saying a statement such as: “I am so sorry about your grade, it sucks knowing how hard you studied” shows that you care about your friend. By understanding and sharing other’s experiences, one can connect more deeply with friends. 

Humans are social creatures and use empathy as a way to survive together. Most animals in the wild merely use relationships with other animals for purely survival purposes. Humans can utilize empathy for the sake of growing relationships. Our ability to interact with each other for the sake of relationships is what makes us human