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When an elephant needs to be transported by plane from one country to another—for example, from India to the United States—its crate is filled with… tiny chicks.
Yes, you read that right: little, fragile chicks.
Why?
Because despite their enormous size, elephants are deeply afraid of causing harm. Throughout the entire flight, the elephant stands perfectly still, not daring to move, so as not to risk stepping on a single chick.
That’s how the plane stays balanced.
And for the elephant, it’s the first test of its noble nature.
Fascinated by this behavior, scientists have studied the elephant’s brain and discovered spindle cells—rare neurons also found in humans.
These are associated with self-awareness, empathy, and complex social perception.
In other words, an elephant is not only physically huge; it’s an emotional giant, too.
It feels, understands, and acts with silent wisdom.
Leonardo da Vinci, deeply fascinated by nature, once wrote about elephants:
“The elephant embodies righteousness, reason, and temperance.”
He also noted:
The elephant enters the river and bathes with a certain dignity, as if wishing to purify itself from all evil.
If it finds a lost person, it gently guides them back to the right path.
It never walks alone: always in a group, always led by a guide.
It is modest.
Mating happens only at night, away from the herd, and before returning to the group, the elephant bathes.
If it encounters another herd on its way, it gently moves them aside with its trunk, careful not to hurt anyone.
But perhaps the most touching thing is this:
When an elephant senses the end is near, it leaves the herd and goes to die alone, in a secluded place.
Why?
To spare the younger ones the pain of watching it die.
Out of modesty. Out of compassion. Out of dignity.
Three rare virtues.
Even among humans.
