Why are you so concerned that we not see ourselves as special? I think that even Atheists would tend to think that we are more highly evolved than any other Earthly species.
We have evolved some particular characteristics to a greater degree than other species. We have some characteristics that are much less "well developed" than other species. Since I can think of no way of measureing the degree of "evolvedness" other than the time that it has been going on I'd say that all things are equally "evolved" (whatever it means).
All things are on the tip of their particular branch. How can you pick which branch is the "highest" one?
I think we should see ourselves as special in that we are aware of ourselves and the world around us. Somehow it would be diminished if no one were here to appreciate it but that is silly really.
I think we should NOT think of ourselves as special in anyway that makes us think we are separate or more important. That thinking will lead to our doom.
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