The Humanity of Humans: How humane are you?
By Angelica D. Ranido 12-OLIC
In a world where nothing remains constant except for the word change, where even the right to
live still needs to be begged of, and where innocent ones must suffer first in order to be freed, can you
just stand still and watch it putrefy as the people began to aim and attack one another? If yes, then how
humane are you?
According to Mahatma Gandhi, humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the
ocean does not become dirty. This implies that each individual is like a drop of water which subsidizes to
the overall composition and value of humanity. The people’s nationality, culture, and even skin colors may
vary in any way as possible, still, it is nonetheless true that all of us belong to the same nature. Some may
behave poorly and do inhumane things, but this does not diminish humanity's intrinsic goodness. The
actions of scarce individuals do not define the entire human race, just as few dirty drops in a huge ocean
do not make the entire ocean dirty.
Nevertheless, can we still stay optimistic when everything we can witness is the hostility between
nations who were once willing to corroborate each other, but now cannot even agree in a truce? As stated
by Pope John Paul II, war is a defeat for humanity. In times of war, countless lives are lost. Soldiers,
civilians, and even children suffer the consequences. Families are torn apart as they endure endless
anguish and heartbreaks. Communities are devastated, living with tormenting griefs and traumas from
their losses. The human toll is immense, and the loss of life is a tragedy that affects societies for
generations. War often involves the violation of human rights and the erosion of basic principles of human
dignity. Acts of violence, torture, and other atrocities can occur, further degrading the moral fabric of
society which represents a failure to resolve conflict through peaceful means.
Subsequently, people build too many walls and not enough bridges. Building walls is possibly an
impetus why people tend to be secluded, causing them to unhitch from the rest. Protecting their own
interests, beliefs, and ideas are their cynosure. When individuals isolate themselves, they omit on the
opportunity to learn from different perspectives and experiences which can lead to division and
misunderstandings within groups. But can we really point a finger and blame those people despite the
fact that they only built the walls just so they can defend themselves? We need to disconnect in order to
reconnect they say. Perhaps keeping away from things can shield us and make us feel secured, we still
need to keep in mind that no man is an island. One needs another to live and survive. All needs to be
connected and united so feuds are avoided, so tranquility and order can prosper.
To conclude, as suggested by the musician Jimi Hendrix, when the power of love overcomes the
love of power, people will know peace. Truly, peace can only be achieved when people finally prioritize
love and compassion over the desire for power and control. When people act out of love, they seek to
nurture and support others rather than dominate or be superior over them. With love, we can see things
in a silver lining and view situations in a brighter perspective. Through love, we will be capable of creating
a healthier environment to live in and make a stronger rapport with one another. Because of love, we can
acknowledge and give importance to ourselves and the people around us. Love will be the answer to our
questions and solutions to the problems we are facing. At the end, love will be the key for us to know and
define how humane we really are.
St. Mary’s Academy of Guiuan, Inc.
(formerly Assumption Academy of Samar)
Guiuan, 6809 Eastern Samar
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