The Importance of Humanity
What it means to be human
When we think of the word humanity, perhaps we don’t just think about the beautiful aspects people are capable of bringing to fruition, but we may also think of the terrible qualities that arise out of the darkest corners of some people’s hearts.
Humanity. What does that really mean? I sat on my sofa alone, thinking to myself one night, feeling frustrated at people that seemed to have no self-conscious or real regard for others.
I immediately thought of positive qualities like empathy, kindness, and compassion. As humans, isn’t this our responsibility? But by nature, aren’t we at times also cruel, selfish, and violent? Some much more so than others?
Here’s how I see it.
People should practice more humility. Humanity is about realizing that you are no different from others. Unless yes, you are an alien or a robot.
As humans, we should strive to lift people up whenever we can and stop viewing life as one big competition. Easier said than done though, I know.
The truth is, life is about how you can help change the world, not how you can constantly criticize it and the people around you.
There’s constructive criticism, of course, but when it becomes hostile or angry criticism, what do we really hope to accomplish? I have made this mistake in the past, only to realize it got me nowhere.
As humans, we should also take the time to listen. There are too many people out there that don’t want to listen but can’t wait to talk over you or talk down to you. We must learn to open our hearts and our minds and learn that “god-complexes” get us nowhere. Stop. Listen. Take in the world. Take in the universe. Obliterate your superiority complex.
For example, if you have a higher paying job or you’re further on in your career, it doesn’t mean you can abuse your higher power and see others who are still struggling to make it, as beneath you. It doesn’t give you the right to act petty or demand that everyone always bows down to you because of your ego or “title.”
People rather criticize you than lift you up. It’s easier for people to focus on what they dislike rather than what they actually appreciate or what makes them happy. Why is this? Are people just not that easily impressed or does it stem from insecurities? Perhaps it’s both.
Life lessons should teach us to remain humble. Life lessons should teach us that it’s okay to struggle, it’s okay to cry. It should not teach us that it’s okay to act cruelly to others or let our spite and egos get the best of us. We must practice empathy, kindness, patience, and humility every day. That is the importance of humanity.
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