We’re All Human and Other Lies
I can’t count how many times in my life I’ve heard someone say, “We’re all human.”
I am now compelled after a lifetime of experience with these so-called humans to question seriously that assumption.
The most basic question I ask is in what regard do we refer to Homo sapiens as human. They are classified as the “wise human” and include man.
Is it a biological classification or a psychological one?
This I would stress is the ultimate question of that assessment and I seriously question the whole “wise” definition here.
If one is to classify all Homo sapiens as human simply in body function and structure than I suppose I’d have to agree the phrase is accurate.
However if it implies we all have the same psychological and mental qualities I must argue the point strenuously.
And here’s why…because one walks upright and isn’t swinging from a tree doesn’t mean one is in any way a human being.
If we qualify human behavior as acting rationally, kindly and within the limitations of society’s norms, the argument falls flat.
Many four legged creatures are more evolved than many two legged ones and I defy anyone to argue the point.
We are all led to believe that those who commit evil acts are deep down in some way really human beings that have been led astray by their environment or life’s circumstances. So we are supposed to be forgiving of their horrible behavior and acts of terror.
This is a serious misconception on our parts.
So many are brought into this world under devastating and difficult circumstances and rise above to achieve greatness and contribute to mankind.
Others pick up a gun or an axe and kill with no remorse.
Yet there are those who insist they are misunderstood or to be pitied and to this I must argue vehemently that there are only two choices that really count in the end; has one chosen good or evil in their lives?
This is the basis for free will, but I have to add that the concept of free will is somewhat flawed. One doesn’t possess free will if freedom is withdrawn. Too many live in totalitarian regimes or in slavery even in today’s world that inhibits free choice, but when it comes to the soul no one can enslave that which we and we alone possess. Even those who are incarcerated have the choice to seek a higher morality within the confines of prison walls.
I use the word choice because it is truly just that.
It isn’t easy to be a good person all the time. To refrain from feelings of anger, hurt, or to resist grabbing a sale item out of another’s hands at a black Friday sale.
Most people who are honest will tell you they have days when life tests them to the limits of their endurance. Life will do that to us all.
When we see someone walk into a school and kill children and teachers we would all love to get a piece of him, but our better natures prevail because that is our choice. We must allow society to mete out justice lest we fall back into a wild-west mentality despite conjuring up visions of a public stoning. (I must admit I really have a hard time with the stoning thing when politicians blubber on).
Being human is a tough gig. We are all faced with tough and horrific challenges each day. Loss, adversity, sorrow, death, illness, stupidity, incompetence, Congress, the Johnny Depp Amber Herd trial, Harry and Meghan, waiting a year for the next installment of the Mandalorian and how much can anyone take?
Human beings rise to the challenge and do it with compassion and when needed, humor. So what’s a human being to do when life turns on you and tests you to your limits?
However, unfortunately there are some who choose to forego their humanity, become instead animals and choose evil. Should we still call them human or face the reality there are some among us who choose to be otherwise and do not fit the profile?
‘Were all human is merely a designation of a species for it cannot possibly account for those that share only the skeleton with those who are human in a true sense.
Walking upright does not make one a human being, the right choices and a heart that feels love and compassion in lieu of merely beating to deliver blood is what separates us and always will.
Perhaps it is the word human we all have some ambivalence about. There might be a new classification for those who should not be placed in the same species as those who live their lives decently and with honor. Yet the definition of human seems to be up for grabs in many quarters today. Perhaps we must all decide what acting human truly entails.
We may be at odds at times about what classifies one as human, but evil is easily defined. There are no excuses, no reasons, no rhyme for those who commit atrocities, and to assume we are all human may be the first mistake we are making. Species classification is not the measure of a man, deeds and actions are. To be human is an often challenging, yet remarkably satisfying choice too many fail to opt for in today’s world.
We do not have X-ray vision or the ability to look inside another’s soul and see what evil may lurk beneath the surface, but we can see within ourselves.
Our choice to be human is a personal decision we all make each day and we can take pride in knowing it’s the right one.
NormaZager.com 