If you’ve recently watched my latest video, you may have noticed some interesting comments questioning the terms I used.
Specifically, some people took issue with me calling humans "apes" and referring to Earth as a "rock."
It’s funny how seemingly innocuous, scientifically accurate terms can ruffle feathers.
So, let's clear this up once and for all:
yes, you are an ape, and yes, you live on a rock.
And if those terms make you uncomfortable, it might be time to re-examine your understanding of science—and language.
Humans Are Apes—Deal with It
Let's start with the basics. Humans belong to the biological family known as Hominidae, or more colloquially, the "great apes." This family includes chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and yes, humans. Our genetic makeup, evolutionary history, and anatomical features all place us firmly within the category of apes.
The term "ape" isn’t some derogatory, offhand insult—it's a classification based on scientific evidence. Denying this fact is like denying that a dog is a mammal or a whale is a cetacean. You can argue semantics all you like, but that doesn’t change the reality of our shared evolutionary tree. Our ancestors didn’t just swing from it—they climbed down, developed tools, and eventually started questioning their own existence (and scientific terms).
Earth is a Rocky Planet—No Argument Here
Now, onto the "rock" bit. In astronomy, Earth is classified as a terrestrial planet, which is just a fancy way of saying "rocky planet." Alongside Mercury, Venus, and Mars, Earth is composed primarily of silicate rocks and metals.
This distinguishes us from the gas giants like Jupiter or Saturn, which are primarily made of hydrogen and helium. So, when I call Earth a rock, I’m merely summarizing the planet’s geological composition in a straightforward, scientifically sound way.
And let’s not forget pop culture references like Third Rock from the Sun. People have been casually referring to Earth as a "rock" for years, without much controversy—until now, it seems.
Misunderstanding Science—and Language
What really gets me about these objections isn’t just the scientific illiteracy but the poor grasp of how the English language can be used.
Language is fluid and creative. Terms like "ape" and "rock" can be used metaphorically, humorously, or simplistically without losing their scientific weight. When I say, "You are an ape living on a rock," it's a succinct way to convey two profound truths: our biological identity and our place in the cosmos.
Taking issue with these terms shows not just a misunderstanding of basic science but also a rigid view of language. English—and all languages for that matter—allows for metaphor, simplification, and creative expression.
That’s the beauty of communication. It’s not about using ten-dollar words or convoluted jargon to sound smarter; it’s about conveying truth in a way that resonates with people. And if using the term "ape" to describe humans or "rock" to describe Earth feels jarring, well, maybe that was the point, and it’s certainly time for you to loosen up a bit.
The Irony of It All
What’s particularly ironic is that the people who complain about these terms are often the same ones who spend their days benefitting from the fruits of science: smartphones, internet access, advanced medicine.
These technologies are all built on the same scientific principles that classify humans as apes and Earth as a rocky planet. It’s the ultimate "bite the hand that feeds you" situation—rejecting science while benefiting from it daily.
Embrace the Reality
So, here’s the takeaway: Yes, you are an ape, and yes, you live on a rock. There’s nothing derogatory or belittling about those statements. In fact, they’re part of what makes being human so fascinating.
We are incredibly advanced apes living on a fascinating chunk of rock hurtling through space, questioning our existence, dreaming of other worlds, and constantly evolving in both body and mind.
It’s time to embrace that reality. Understanding where we come from and where we live is the first step to fully appreciating the human experience.
And it’s also a crucial step in letting go of the needless hang-ups about what words "should" mean. Because at the end of the day, language—like science—is a tool. And its power lies in its ability to reveal the truth, even if that truth is as simple as this: you’re an ape living on a rock.