The Big Question

What is the function of the human being?
What is the one unique function that separates us from every other species on this planet?
First we must consider the question and investigate it – only when we get the question right can a satisfactory answer be found.
First the word function.
The definition of the word function, moreover the definition relevant to this subject, is as follows:

the kind of action or activity proper to a person, thing, or institution; the purpose for which something is designed or exists; role.

It has been said that once we understand the unique function of a human being we can then find meaning to our existence and our place in the world at large.
Why unique? Why can’t two things share the same function?
Whether you believe in a God/Gods or nature, there is a necessity for all things here on earth. If the purpose of bees is to germinate and it is also the function of humans to germinate then nature or the God/Gods are inefficient and it for this discussion we must assume that nature (whether a natural phenomenon or created by a God) is efficient and deliberate.

So to rephrase the question:
What is the kind of action or activity that is unique to human beings?

I have heard many people say that the purpose of the human being is to be born, to reproduce and then to die. Obviously none of these actions are unique. However, as simplistic as this is, it is a very sound argument and would appear to be reasonable.
So why then are we so intelligent? Why would nature/God give us such a grand intelligence if our purpose is to simply survive and reproduce? It is obvious that packs of dogs can to the same thing with just a fraction of the “brainpower” we possess.

So what is it that we do that no other species can?
I have pondered this question many times and have yet to find a satisfactory answer. Sometimes I may find a unique property or action but fail to see how this “skill” could be used to benefit nature. That is assuming that our function must fit into the grand scheme of things, and that you or I could comprehend the bigger picture.
Here are a few that I have been pondering:

Manipulation
This one is a little tricky. Many other species manipulate however is there any that manipulate for personal gain that is not attributed to survival?

Procrastination
Is there any other thing on earth that can waste as much time as us? Is there an animal for example that wakes up after sleeping and says “I can’t be bothered today, perhaps I’ll just sit around”?

I am not seriously suggesting that the purpose of a human being is the lie, cheat steal then just watch television but they may be what I consider unique actions of our species.

I head an advertisement for conservation not long ago that said “Humans are the only species that have it within there power to protect every other species on the planet” (or something to that effect)
Could that be it? Are we the protectors? I have considered this statement at length and as much as I don’t like it is hard to argue against it. My only question concerns our nearest relatives in the animal kingdom – apes. If there survival depended on the survival of everything else could they also protect everything else? Do they have the intelligence and the means to do so? They obviously couldn't protect the whole world but could they do this in their own environment? If humans disappear would everything in nature fall apart?

The sad answer is no. In fact scientists predict nature would flourish without us. So while it may be a unique function of humans to protect everything else on the planet our intervention is not integral to nature’s survival.
I ask that after reading this that you sit and think for a while.
What is the function of the human being?
What are your thoughts?