Everyday Canvas

Human Beings

Prompt: Human Beings
In general, do you have faith in human beings or are you disappointed in our human ways? What do you think would make us better as species?

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We, the Homo Sapiens, think we are a remarkable species as the most dominant and influential creatures on this planet, with supposedly fine cognitive abilities, social complexity, and adaptability. We think our cognitive strength (i.e. more developed brain!) has facilitated numerous achievements, including scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and artistic expressions.

Just because we think we are so hot, my faith in human beings is below appreciation; however, I'm not totally disappointed in us. Just some! To begin with, we share a good amount of genetic similarity with other species. This may be a plus.

Also, we get what we need and then some out of this earth, no matter the consequences. I think other living beings are more considerate. They take only what they need, and not the extras.

Then, despite originating from a common ancestor, we have diversified across geographical regions, resulting in different ethnicities, physical features, and genetic variations. So what? So do the cats and many other species. If we are taking pride in our diversification, then why are we trying to kill or outdo one another?

Individuality, one might answer. Yes, each one of us has their own personal definitions of kindness, strength, masculinity, civilization, femininity, God/Creator/Disbelief, right or wrong. Humans are always into everything and every idea in the world, however limited by subjectivity.

Plus, any absolute truth we think we have found always gets replaced by someone else's or by something else. We just can't hold on to anything for very long. Then, we cannot do without each other, either. Other people are the most important in our lives, but other people can disappear to be replaced by still other people. Worse yet, we make them disappear through wars, famine, poverty, etc.

I don't exactly know what would make us better as species, but to begin with, we should end all wars and famine, and respond to one another with much more understanding and kindness. Then, as my grandmother used to say, "Clean after yourself. Pick up your own garbage. Don't leave a mess." That should go how we treat this planet, too. Otherwise, either we suffer as species or our earth becomes even more of a poisonous dump site.


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