Do we correctly define the word ‘humanity’?
The Definition of ‘Humanity’.
Humanity, noun
hu·man·i·ty | hyü-ˈma-nə-tē
plural- humanities
Compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior or disposition: the quality or state of being humane
This is the definition provided by Merriam- Webster. Do you agree with the given definition?
Let’s look at the last word in the above definition.
Humane, adjective
hu·mane | hyü-ˈmān
Marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals
There’s obviously something amiss with the above definition.
We use words like humane, humanity, humanitarian frequently but we never bother to look at their explanations.
Typically, humanity is embodied as a human characteristic. The words enumerated under this interesting classification include “compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behaviour” as quoted in the above definition.
Are we, as a biological classification, really worthy of having a word representing good qualities named after ourselves?
I don’t think so.
We don’t deserve a word of praise for our acts, no matter how good they are. But do we deserve the criticism for our unscrupulous, thoughtless acts? Yes, we do.
If you agree wholly with the definition of humanity, then you have to live with the consequences.
(TRIGGER WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT AHEAD)
If we, as humans, are tactlessly willing to slaughter our own, are we really humane?
(ISIS- Extremist terrorism outfit)
(Auschwitz Birkenau- Home to gas chambers)
If we, as humans, are willing to burn down habitats and making the world an incongruous place to live for other organisms, are we really humane?
(Forest fires in Oregon due to careless ‘human’ activity)
If we, as humans, crave violence and wish upon endless death, are we really humane?
(US troops in Vietnam)
(Indo-Pakistan war of 1971)
If we, as humans, lie, cheat, and exploit our transcendence, are we really humane?
(Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos, an elaborate fraud which made people believe that there was a ground-breaking new blood-testing technology and tricked investors into devoting shitloads of cash)
Think about it.
According to me, the definition of humanity is flawed. Humanity is, unfortunately, the farthest you get from ‘being human’.
Ace it
(originally answered on Quora: https://www.quora.com/What-intrigues-you/answer/Ark-Abhyudaya)
