|
|
|
|
What Does It Mean To Be Human? Return to Self Study Page
By LifeAdviceSite.com
 |
Literally
since the dawn of mankind, we have been exploring our inner selves and
pondering exactly what it is to be human. Is it the ability to
construct monuments and articulate speech, or is it simply that we are
capable of cognizant thought? What is it that makes us different from
other living creatures on this planet? What makes us unique beings? |
I’ve
been thinking about it a lot lately, and I think the answer lies
somewhere in the question. It lies in the very idea that we human
beings can wake up, forage for food and build shelter like our warm
blooded cousins before we continue on with our day to write, read,
absorb and question. Beyond the protection of a roof over our heads
and the warmth of clothes, we seek more. Unlike our animal brethren,
we are not content with a full belly and a soft place to lay our
heads. (Well, sometimes we are.) We know there is more to life than
mere survival, and we are intent on spending our days in pursuit of
whatever that may be. We strive for success, we build and create. We
study and pursue art, knowledge and adventure. Everything we do is an
expression of ourselves, an exploration of our lives and a journey to
seek truth or understanding.
We
are not content to simply be. As human beings we constantly strive for
more and constantly beg the question, “Who am I?” To be human is to
think, to question and observe. Our humanity lies in the fact that we
question it. I think, therefore I am; I’m human because I question my
humanity.
All of humanity shares a common
thread gently tugging on our collective psyche. It is some inkling
deep down inside of us that subtly whispers of something more,
something greater than we have yet to imagine. Some of us are still
asleep to the idea while others are wide awake and continually
searching for revelation. We are not content to be born, live and
die. There is something about this life that does not feel like an
endpoint but rather like an entry point to something bigger and much
grander. We’ve struggled to identify that something by affixing images
of a Heaven or Hell, but we have yet to truly uncover the mystery
That is what it means to be human. To
keep wondering, to keep searching and to keep going until the truth is
discovered. Will we ever find it, or will we keep searching as the
truths and meanings continue to grow and evolve along with ourselves?
I don’t know if there is a final destination. Most days, I don’t think
I care. After all, it is truly a wonderful thing it is to be human.
How lucky we are to be given a chance to learn, challenge, grow and
explore.
So now I suppose the real question is what am I going to do with my humanity today?
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright 2007-2009 LifeAdviceSite LLC. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: The creators, administrators and any contributors of this
site and the information herein are not licensed counselors, advisers
or health professionals. Content is intended for informational
purpposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any
condition, situation or ailment. Content is subject to possible errors
or omissions. You are encouraged to take charge of your own health,
wellness and life circumstances and to conduct your own research and/or
experimentation on any subject matter you have questions or concerns
about. It's your life - live the best one possible every day! |
|
|
Self to be Human