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What does it mean to be human? How do we know if something is human?
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Being human is instinctively knowing that we must consult other humans for
answers to questions about humanity.
Prior to this assignment, my understanding of what it means to be human was limited to my
belief that God created each human being for a specific purpose, that he or she should
discover and fulfill. I had not considered articulating what it means to be human or how I
would be able to determine if something is human. Since I knew very little about what it
means to be human, I read and listened to what others had to say about the subject. This
process helped me to realize that my humanity depends on the humanity of others. By
developing respect and appreciation for what others have to offer, we can begin to answer the
question about what it means to be human.
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Being human is sharing my own story with others. We can recognize humanity in
our ability to speak, to listen, and to share each other’s joy and pain.
A couple of years ago, the pastor of my new church asked me to participate in the service by
reading the scripture lesson. I declined his request, but later on I decided to give a personal
testimony. Although I was terrified about speaking in public, I was able to relax as the
congregation listened intently. I shared with them that I was born prematurely at five months
and survived, almost unscathed, despite the odds. I told them that I believe that God spared
my life in answer to the prayers of my parents and hundreds of other people. At the end of
the service, several people thanked me for sharing my story and for renewing their belief in
miracles. Sharing my story allowed me to feel closer to the members of the church. I was no
longer just the college student who showed up once in a while with his parents, but a member
the community. They had helped to shape my humanity and I had done the same for them
because we were able to experience each other’s joy and pain.
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Being human is appreciating human life and the universe as a whole.
Being human is showing respect for other humans regardless of color or nationality, or race. I
am fortunate to be part of a family with people from the United States, England, and the
Caribbean. By interacting with people from other countries and cultures, we can realize that
we share the same goals of health, prosperity, and happiness. By developing deeper feelings
for each other, we will be less inclined to hurt or destroy each other. Being human also
means to share the ethical obligation of caring for the universe by not polluting it.
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Being human is using religion and spiritual practices to unite humans and not to
divide us.
Recently, I took a religion class and I was amazed at the similarities between the beliefs of
some of the major religions. Being human is showing respect for other people’s religion and
beliefs by taking the time to learn about them. When we start to think about who we are
instead of what we are, we will realize that we are connected in our humanness.
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We know if something is human when we cannot ignore it.
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We define the criteria for being human and it is a huge responsibility. I believe that we
should start by getting serious about protecting the children that will carry on this
responsibility. I cannot ignore the pain that I felt as I watched the reports of one school
shooting after the next in the past few years. I could not help but feel sad that the wonder and
joy of being a kid had been stolen from them by acts of violence. Although some say that it is
impossible to prevent school shootings, we must try. We have the power to do what we want
to do for humanity.