Unlike animals who live in the present moment, humans equally occupy the past and future. It is a mixed blessing, because we so often regret the past and fret for the future. Aristotle believed that human uniqueness rests in our sense of humor. We are the only creatures whose achievements constantly fall short of our ideals. Humor is our practical recourse, so we laugh at ourselves and our fellow strivers.
Animals clearly display affection.
Perhaps we humans have a corner on true love, but I suspect we will have to prove it. To make us human, those 300 genes have a lot of work to do. Shuffling them, like a deck of cards, accounts for the human variations that make us look and act and think differently. Researchers believe we are a very young species, so there is plenty of room for further variation and growth. Now that they know the creator's blueprint for humanity, scientists can begin patching those genes that account for our handicaps and chronic illnesses.