I think that animals aren't less intelligent than humans, they're just of a different intelligence. We have five million smell-sensitive cells in our nose, they have two hundred and fifty million - they can smell emotion. They can smell different types of emotion, they just have another type of intelligence.

In this quote, Mike Mills challenges the traditional view of human intelligence by suggesting that animals are not less intelligent than humans, but simply possess a different type of intelligence. Mills emphasizes that while humans rely heavily on their cognitive abilities and sensory inputs, animals have evolved with different senses that allow them to perceive the world in unique ways. For example, he compares the number of smell-sensitive cells in humans and animals, highlighting that animals have a far more advanced sense of smell, which allows them to detect emotions and other subtleties in their environment that humans cannot.

Mills specifically points out that animals, with their heightened olfactory abilities, can smell emotion, sensing variations in mood and feelings that might be undetectable to humans. This ability suggests that animals have a form of intelligence that is attuned to emotional and environmental cues in ways humans do not fully comprehend. His statement challenges the anthropocentric view of intelligence, asserting that animals have evolved their own forms of understanding and interacting with the world, shaped by their specific sensory abilities.

The origin of this quote can be linked to Mills' broader philosophical views on the nature of intelligence and human versus animal cognition. As a filmmaker and artist, Mills often explores themes of humanity, connection, and understanding, which likely influenced his perspective on how animals experience the world. His appreciation for different forms of intelligence extends beyond the realm of human-centric thinking and invites people to see animals as possessing valuable and distinct ways of interacting with their surroundings.

Ultimately, Mills’ quote underscores the idea that intelligence is not a single, universal measure but a collection of different abilities adapted to specific needs and environments. By recognizing that animals have their own unique intelligence, Mills calls for a deeper respect for their capabilities and suggests that there is much to be learned from how animals perceive the world around them.