A human being can be defined as a culture-bearing primate that is related and similar to other apes but with more complex brain and also known as a Homo Sapien . Because of this, a human being is capable of abstract reasoning, problem solving skills, sociality, culture and articulate speech. They also possess an erect frame that allows them to use their hands more freely as manipulative members which in turn allow them to use tools more frequently. The Human beings form complex social structures composed of cooperating groups from families to states. Social interaction has paved way for the human beings to develop their own customs, rituals and social norms which form the basis of human society. Humans have an intense desire to understand and influence their environment which in turn has paved way for the development of science, religion and mythology. The study of human beings belongs to the discipline of anthropology. In other words a human being refers to a member of the species of Homo sapiens that differs from most animals by the high standard of psychological development, power of speaking fluently and coherently, way of sitting and standing, and making or causing things. Human beings can act upon nature to create a new world to fulfill all their wants and desires. Human action has a force for changing the laws of nature. Human beings are endowed with divine favour of bringing any abstract entity, quality, or concept into existence. They have the potential to make the planet on which life exists, heaven or hell. Willingness to respect the existence of others, acceptance of the universal and natural truth, being responsible for the world around, considerate of the substance which gives the essential meaning to something, ability to understand the sufferings and misfortunes of others, doing away with inflicting any pain, and putting a civilizing effect on with whom or which we have direct or indirect involvement, make humans humane. When human beings have or show these qualities, everything or each and every one of us receives the humane treatment. These qualities are endeavors which demand the best in people to be achieved. This is an extremely time-consuming series of changes pertaining to human development. It is rare to find a human being who is compassionate, well-meaning and kindly by birth. Being humane is a virtue. Cultivating any virtue takes many years of hard work to bring it to practising, or usually remains a lifelong effort, since the world is highly dynamic characterized by constant irrelevant and uneven changes. The circumstances of such a world force human beings to err, though they are not necessarily bad at being human. As a matter of fact ‘being human’ entails living with the better qualities of humankind, for example, warm-heartedness. This journey of sensible steps, first of all, takes cognizance of the process of doing.
What is being Human? Being human is a general term that is used to indicate sympathetic behaviour or the simple act of presenting qualities that are unique to and typical of a human being. A human being is usually believed to be a compassionate individual who possesses a higher intellect than other animals. It is a qualitative term used often to represent the concept of a human being. Being human is a term that can also be used to imply the flawed nature of an individual. We, as humans, tend to think that we are far better species than the other species existing in the world by virtue of our ability to think, reason, to express emotions, and compassion. It is not completely true, though. Having the ability and expressing it are two different things; it is just like having a human body but acting as a brutal animal. We are human beings but in practical life we talk and act inhuman number of times. We lack humane, ethical and compassionate approach. Why it is so, whether because of ego and selfishness? I will narrate an inspiring story worth emulating by human beings. What we think, talk, see and act and what the animals and birds do? With the characteristic of anthropoid, a human being can be human far short of being humane. We assume that the human side reflects the better qualities of humanity, but what we experience more is the state of being human. The state of being human is something which all humans live, as it is about natural human nature. Only collective enlightenment can make human nature parallel or equivalent to humane understanding and values. Human nature is not a jump away from being humane. It is a journey of sensible steps which have to be great in number and chosen in accordance with wisdom as time goes by.
Being human means something, which impresses and touches hearts of other through our actions. How our actions affect others should be our primary objective to be taken care of while performing them. They shouldn’t intrude on a person’s respectful life and have an adverse effect on intergenerational and intra generational equity. So whatever we do, it needs to be done or felt and thought in response to a condition which makes the world more livable. Development by humans doesn’t necessarily mean human development. With experience only, we understand what is right or wrong and what really contributes to human growth and advancement. Our perception forms an idea of the extent of something experienced and we regard, understand and interpret it in a particular way. If our aim is to become rich anyhow, we don’t mind others becoming the poor owing to our intense desire. There is no harm in becoming rich, but if we are kind-hearted, we will definitely take others along. No fortune works here, this is tough and about the gradual development of the humane treatment valuing togetherness. Virtuous deeds can’t be performed without the true understanding of life which we experience as we live. Being human is a quality of displaying characteristics that are unique to human beings. This can be analyzed in a philosophical perspective as well as in an introspective analysis of oneself. The meaning of being human can vary from one person to another.
( The author is a teacher at Govt High School Brakpora Anantnag. Views are his own)
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