The question about the essence of humanity has persisted as an original and controversial topic for centuries. While humans’ biological extent has long been defined, the enigma lies in the intricacies of human qualities that contribute to our unique identity. Throughout history, humans have created multitudes of domineering civilizations and have asserted their technological superiority over other species by destroying habitats and claiming supremacy. This complex interplay between human innovation and moral struggle prompts us to a question: Does being human equate to an inclination to own power and greed for conquest? Should we focus on the average traits of Homo sapiens, or does the idea of being human revolve around the nobler extents of idealistic human nature?
Humanity’s first and perhaps most fundamental distinction lies in the capacity to separate primal instincts from actions guided by morality and principles. From an early age, we are educated on concepts of right or wrong, and we are socialized into an ethical framework that is shaped by religion, culture, and societal norms. The development of conscience and guilt propel us towards altruistic behavior, in which our choices consciously prioritize others’ welfare. Our actions are no longer sheer responses to impulsive wants but deliberate choices propelling us toward civility. In this way, humanity establishes a difference from the animal kingdom, not in our much-needed survival instincts but in our capability to transcend them.
Nevertheless, the human conscience is not a flawless compass — it can be depicted in less virtuous ways, particularly the manifestation of greed. Humans portray extremity when following their instincts. This capacity for planning, to achieve individual aspirations, is a trademark of humanity. Whereas animals might attain territory through fights or territorial markings, humans may resort to more complicated and often deceitful modes. For instance, humans may turn to theft, which requires a higher degree of strategy and foresight as it circumvents confrontation. Furthermore, because humans know what is right or wrong, they often try to hide their transgressions. The act of murder, a breach of the most fundamental ethical laws, involves hiding in a figurative shadow to evade the light of lawfulness — explicating the immoral ways humans might use their creativity and sense of morality.
However, the true differentiator lies in the architecture of elaborate conceptual frameworks we pass down to our offspring — concepts that transcend mere survival. Art, religion, and tradition are all intricate branches of what makes up culture. On the contrary, animals do not foster the complexity of civilizations nor possess a varied culture. While there is a common misconception that some animals might dance or act for enjoyment, these actions are reproductive strategies for survival, often misunderstood by humans when applying their views to the actions of different species.
Human idiosyncrasy should not be mistaken as an advocacy for human superiority. Instead, this individuality notes the intricate civilization humanity has cultivated, enriched by emotions, moral senses, etiquette, conscientious standards, and cultural dimensions. These complexities constitute the epitome of humanity, persisting despite the contradictory human tendency to oversimplify our perception of the world. Our capacities as segregated instincts and morality, the duality of our conscience, and our ability to build concepts beyond survival all contribute to the essence that defines what it means to be human.
