Who is really at the top of the chain?

Ok so basically I have always been reluctant to talk about or express my opinion as I fear of offending or upsetting others and that they might judge and shut down my views. As a part of my growing up, I’m trying to overcome this, among other things; defining myself by the perception of others.
Within society today, right from birth we are conditioned to do this, to define and compare ourselves to others. It has become our normative nature. This is a prominent aspect of the ego, and is something we don’t really have a choice in accepting or rejecting; a lot of us become enslaved to it. This sort of software system of the brain is activated right from the start and its importance & effectiveness completely over exaggerated. Nearly every problem can be directly or indirectly (mostly indirectly) linked back to the human ego, whether it be greed, war, or even illness’ like depression. This operating system through which we live is not good, it removes us from the reality of the planet and the higher energies and vibrations that nearly every other living thing sees and feels.
Are we really the top of the chain? Are we really the most evolved out of all the creatures and forms of life? I guess the answer to that question is highly related to its interpretation, particularly the word evolution.
Firstly, in a physical sense, so in terms of things like our adaption to the environment and the flexibility of our behaviour and lifestyle, yes we are. Although other animals may be better adapted to their specific environment, we can basically flourish anywhere and everywhere. We can adapt to the environment in which we are placed e.g. communities that live in extreme cold typically have an endomorphic body shape allowing them to retain heat better. We also have a greater development of the brain which has allowed us to feel countless emotions, engage in complex behaviours, and make complex movements. We have developed social, political and economic structures as well as culture and religion, something no other animals can do (to the extent to which we have atleast).
Now, if this was the only interpretation of what is, that would be great and we would be the ultimate life form. But it’s not. There is more to what is, than just life as a mass of differentiated cells and materials/substances as atoms and so on. This is where consciousness and spirituality come into it.
In this sense, we are essentially at the bottom of the ladder (from what I can make of it atleast). Making reference to the ego and humanities enslavement to it, it and consciousness will struggle against each other to come out on top. Currently, in the majority of society, ego is winning, it defines the individual and consciousness, and the forgotten way of life and perception that is consciousness and spirituality, is ridiculed by the mainstream (which is what I think is a large scale manifestation of the human ego). As a result, we suffer, we conflict, and we destroy, not only ourselves but others and even this planet. And in contrast to this, it seems that all other life (in a spiritual sense) is in perfect harmony with itself, its kind, and its environment. Nearly every single animal does not kill for killings sake, only for food, and when that occurs, everything is used, nothing is wasted. Our species, among the rare individual animal seem to just take and destroy. We take and take, until nothing is gone, we try to satisfy this perpetual hunger for appreciation, for comfort and for recognition. This is such a contrast to the nature of nearly any other animal; they live in complete harmony, taking only what must be taken, killing only when necessary and intent on their purpose in life. On this front, I think we are absolutely devoid of development. We have worked ourselves into a tight corner where the ego is so demanding and commanding that it objects to any sort of conscious thoughts and opinions (which is why I guess I’m typically reluctant to share opinion). And now that it is in power, it doesn’t want to let go of the reigns. This is similar to the current events of the occupy revolution; those who have realised and embraced consciousness and those who are beginning to reject the ways of the corporations/society are sort of fighting to diminish the control of the current powers and progress into a new way of being and seeing.

I think, it’s up to us to begin and fulfil this revolution of thought and consciousness and instead of interpreting life as a physical progression; we should begin to appreciate and tap into other vibrations of the universe and ways of living. Once again, this is evident in the occupy movements and even websites like this. Places through which we can develop and share our thoughts and perceptions. Places where alternative and spiritual thoughts are not ridiculed but nurtured; where the conscious can become strong again. Places that will hopefully bring to light the realities of life beyond what we currently know.

~love and light
☮