What higher organisms have evolved is the ability to process those sensations to a higher level. In fact, it has been hypothesized that the ability of humans to think about their sensations, including feelings and emotions, and understand their cause and meaning is what sets us apart from other animals. Higher organisms have developed non-conscious reflexes . Only dolphins, Great Apes, and humans possess self-consciousness . Only hominids use representation .
Humans contemplate the future and the past.