In his commentary to Sefer Bereishis (2:7), the Malbim draws a distinction between the human being and animals. While both possess numerous abilities and strengths, Hashem granted the animal one specific trait, its identity. An animal uses this faculty to satisfy its particular immediate needs. In contrast, Hashem has endowed man with all the forces that exist in the world, with the nefesh, soul, containing the collective and general powers pf the human being. An animal is satisfied to gather sufficient food to satisfy its hunger. Man, however, plants and engages in business and other endeavors to provide for his future. Furthermore, in man’s soul are also found opposing qualities, contrasts not present in animals: pride and humility; stinginess and generosity; compassion and cruelty; desire/weakness and strength. Animals have one specific trait, with no contrasting features. Animals lead a “fixed” life, while man lives by aspiration, setting the tone for constant growth.
Man, however, has one drawback. Since man contains within him all the qualities – both good and bad – which characterize animals, he can rise to sublime heights or sink to the nadir of depravity. What distinguishes him, what restrains him, is his yiraas Shomayim, fear of Heaven. This disciplines his passions, guides his impulses, and channels his immense potential. Without yiraas Shomayim, man is nothing more than an intelligent animal.
