Lift — P.A. Seasholtz

1sapi·ent adjective ˈsāp�"ənt, ˈsap-

: possessing or expressing great sagacity and discernment : sage

It is a strange word, seemingly being so simple to understand, yetvery difficult to apply. We do not consider apes sapient, and when Icompare the Quarrel to the apes, the degree of differences results in ahasty conclusion that the Quarrel are sapient. However, it is not thatsimple. Tool use, language use and self-awareness are only parts of thepuzzle, each of them on their own not enough to qualify a fledglingspecies. Wisdom is often a defining feature of sapience, coupled withthe ability to act with judgment. Intelligence is also only a part ofit, intelligence not necessarily conferring wisdom or judgment.Determining where the Quarrel are along this fuzzy line has proven to be a unique challenge.