On Being ‘Human’

This article was featured in a tweet by The Human Origins Program of The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Can be found here: http://twitter.com/HumanOrigins/status/10977615008

Why are we called “human beings” ?

The word ‘being’ is a reference to existence, while the word ‘human’ is rather complicated. To understand the essence of this word, I did a little research and found that the words ‘human’ and ‘humane’ have the same etymology: they come from the same word. However, at some point they became two distinct words such that ‘human’ is a reference to homo sapiens, and ‘humane’ is now a reference to qualities befitting human beings. This can be seen by looking into the word ‘inhuman’ which is the opposite of being ‘humane’ and not the opposite of being ‘human’. I am hoping to bridge this difference and question our perceptions of being ‘human’, and why this does not somehow equate to being ‘humane’ anymore.

In my opinion it is the ability to appreciate, respect, love, forgive and express gratitude that makes us human. Essentially – what we define today as someone who is ‘humanitarian’ is what ought to make us ‘human’. Sadly all homo sapiens are called ‘human beings’ while the term of humane nature is reserved for those who have the fundamental wealth and riches to express these qualities at a scale large enough to attract media and international attention. This is a noble act – and I have utmost respect for those who pursue such activities.

But really, what about those who cannot be “humanitarian” towards victims of natural calamities or refugees of political strife? Is there no need for any expression of respect, love, tolerance (not towards race, colour or religion but towards personality) and gratitude without there having to be some extreme cases involved?

As children we learned rather silly sayings such as “As you sow, so shall you reap” or “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, but as we grow older lots of us see that it is not the means we use, but the ends we achieve that define who we are. It is often the pursuit of lies, deceit, competition and trampling over others that reap maximum benefit for some of us – and frankly that’s all that matters, isn’t it? It is what those around us think of our clothes, income, success, grades, intelligence and materials that is important to us, and to achieve this by any means possible is sort of fine, really! It is not important anymore to have people we love, maintain relationships or even hold important to ourselves what we think of our own qualities or even to question some of the means that some of us may use to rise to the superficial top.

To what extent can a person go to constantly negate not only the feelings of others, but also their own conscience which asks them to do something good? How does one look at ones self in the mirror when they know that they are full of lies, dishonesty and disgrace? I guess it comes to a point when they perhaps realise that it is the pursuit of such exploits and ends achieved that make them satisfied, rather than the quality of relationships, values, ethics and happiness.

Thankfully, such satisfaction is indeed short lived and wisdom always catches up to make you feel ashamed. Albeit, too late. By then there’s nothing you can do about it as the people you have walked all over – can really take no more. You then spend the rest of your life with repentance and if you’re not that wise – denial, and unhappiness.

For the rest of us though – we may have small houses, but beaming hearts and happy lives. And well, we’re sort of fine with that – really.

So, what is it to be human? Is it only that you have been born one, or are you really that different from any other animal?