The Dao of Being Human, Part 2

I know it's been a long time since I've posted last-- I've been dealing with some personal issues lately.

Being human. It's our greatest fault, sometimes, but more often it can be our brightest shining trait. But what does it mean to be human? Earlier this evening I spoke with one of my best friends about the concept of humanity.  I said to her,

I choose to be friends with people who are able to relate to others, people who can really reach out and tap into the inherent connectedness of all humankind. I don't think I get along very well with people who don't care about others. Ultimately, being human to me means being able to give and to feel compassion.

But, also, to err is human. Humans are capable of such unimaginable cruelty. Rape, murder, theft, massacre, war, pollution, rioting, discord, slavery and racism fill our history books, our minds, our governments and even our entertainment. I would think that if an alien were to come visit our planet, it would be so confused as to why a race could turn on itself so easily.

However, Humans can also unite in amazing ways. Humans can give away thousands of meaningless dollars for a real meaningful cause. Humans can act as altruistic heroes and really make a huge difference on another individual, which can move another human to do the same. We can save lives-- other human lives! We can give life! We can even, in acts of passion, create life! We help life of other animals, of plants, of the entire Earth.

Humans can ask questions! Humans are amazingly curious creatures. We have sciences of chemistry, biology, anatomy, medicine, engineering, mathematics, linguistics, and all other sorts. We have philosophy of the self, of the universe, of the Divine, of the lack thereof. Humans are remarkably inquisitive. We ask the ultimate, eternal question: "Why?"

We have built-- Oh, have we built!-- amazing structures, both material and immaterial. We have created. Humanity has created. To create is to show that little bit of God that is within us! We have art of the ears, of the eyes, even of our own skin!  We have culture, of thousands of languages, ethnicities, and flags. We have clothes and music and food and homes and family.

We are capable, we are curious, we are creative, we have real potential. The best part about us is that we can use those for good or for evil. We have the choice.

What is it to be human?
To be human is to be capable of unleashing the cruelest horrors imaginable, for the smallest of reasons.
To be human is to be selfish, cruel and vile, all for the sake of logic.
To be human is to be capable of the greatest and most noble acts, logic and reason be damned.
To be human is to embody justice, valor, heroism, and honor, and to express such values every moment of every day.
To be human is to be willing to sacrifice yourself for the good of your fellow man.
To be human is have the ability to create worlds of wonder and horror with nothing but your mind and your will, and to tear them down at the slightest provocation.
To be human is to be responsible for all there is and all there ever will be, every act of art, science, religion, murder, and suffering.
To be human is to hold the universe in your hand, and be as small as an ant in the face of its vastness.
To be human is to be God.
--Anonymous

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Peace and Love, thank you for reading. Remember to stay Human.