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Why are we genetically programmed to find animals so cute? I would think as an omnivore finding your food cute would be counterproductive.
My hypothesis is that we are supposed to eat meat as a last resort and prefer vegetables. So their cuteness acts as a deterrent so we prefer them less...
Though the fact that meat tastes so good would seem to be a counterargument to that theory...
@freemo I'd say the genetic disposition would be relevant for the timespan humanity didn't specialize. If most people don't see the transition from animal to meat, i think the effects can easily be ignored, and humans are good at ignoring stuff they don't like and cannot change easily.
So the question would be: did primitive humans find animals cute?
@admitsWrongIfProven @freemo They might have seen the mostly helpless babies and decided to see what happens when they raise them. I believe our brains release similar chemicals as other mammals when caring for an animal. It seems like affection is more likely than finding an animal as cute.
Perhaps this was done by very simple people with animals who were equally special or it could have been the brightest of both species. For cats it was likely manipulation from the start. Dogs would protect their pack.
Perhaps it's like marriage where both parties help when needed but otherwise avoid each other.
With some animals, especially milk producing animals, it can be found in our genetics. For domesticated animals, like the dog, they had a similar mutation that allowed for a diet with more grain. We likely bonded in harsh times and both wear a ball and chain because of our relationship.
I don't know how I feel about what I just wrote but I did write it.
