Thank you everyone for your replies - it's so good to know I'm not alone in my musings

I really believe that those who spend more time interacting with their kitties have a much better opportunity to get the full benefit a cat's incredible personality. Dr. Corey could be right - they may have many qualities that are superior to us. I have learned many important things from my previous cats; things that a person "feels" more than "thinks" about - a bit hard to explain really. Cats are very sensory and "live in the moment". Perhaps that is why they are so comfortable with themselves. I would love to have that much confidence.

... just another muse of sorts ...