Sentience on planet

Sentience is the capacity to feel, perceive or experience subjectively.

Evolution on this insignificant planet eventually led the first sentient being down from the prehistoric trees to begin the history of humankind. Her instincts led her back into her tree to find a mate for propagation and protection.

From tree to cave; from nuclear family to clan; to tribe; to settlement; to nation, humankind evolved. From that first instinctual mating of sentience and strength, we find ourselves, today, worshiping gods that science rejects, seeking power and control when better instincts dictate humanism and humility; seeking ego gratification when we know with no reasonable doubt that we are all tugging on the rope of destiny together, and yet can’t all pull in the same direction.

Somehow, mankind’s better instincts evolved more clearly, more heartfelt, in the female gender. This is the greatest triumph to be found in the latest election—not control of the House by the Democrats, but the success of the women who have had to push themselves into having their say and their way in our politics.

The only God this old Republican acknowledges is the universe; the only theology that of humanism; the only superior being the gender we have strived to suppress throughout history. CLIFF HARRISON Hot Springs Village