you are perfectly intelligent and should not put yourself down because we read some interesting books with controversial viewpoints. the things you had posted or said are logical and rational.
quinn chose a gorilla to convey his message for a distinct purpose. it makes it so much more interesting hearing the view of the more natural life espoused by another species of intelligent life.( good grief they are even putting tiny wet cams on dolphins in the harbors to help look for underwater mines in murky water outside the main port city they want to send water, food, medicine to in iraq. think how awesome that is... inter species cooperation!)
i have read lots of interesting work by people who work with gorillas and chimps with sign language and computer augmented communication.
ishmael represents a distinct possibility/reality that we are not the only ones with intelligence, something to say and something at stake.
hang in there girl, you are not as far removed from the picture as you think.