They are smart, definitely. They can't help being unsanitary (like helping spread the plague) and liking our food. And causing damage. Some of them cause fires by chewing through electrical cables. If even one gets into our home, I can smell it. We always have traps out because it's usually a quicker death - and to stop them nesting and breeding. They usually cause damage trying to create a nest. Where I grew up in Australia, they compete with or eat native creatures - although cats do, too. I feel sorry for the rats and mice because they're still creatures. I didn't downvote you, BTW.