I think you’re right about the empathy of animals. And this can probably be generalized to most of nature as well, save for a few exceptions (such as parasites).

incantations stick in some back corner of brain. even if you start to play it to people with Alzheimer’s patients who are non-verbal, their voice can still come and recite it. Same with songs from their youth.

I think most mammals (most as species not most as individuals since wiring has individual flukes) have empathy. It isn’t a anthropomorphism to say so. It’s an anthrocentrism to say it is isn’t the case.

Yep, funerals whether lectures or parties are for the living.

Cool, on 60 years. Some people luck out, and then live in a way to keep that luck rolling.