“The Dual Path to Living a Fulfilled Life”
Hey, how’s it going?
ALL ‘GOOD’ WE HOPE!
Today I wanted to touch on Humanism and Humanity.
We are HUMAN, right?
However in this day and time we seem to learn or be taught so little about ourselves.
Would you agree?
I remember I was actually taught HUMANITIES at school, however it no longer seems to be taught these days.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Let us first look into HUMAN-ism.
Human-ism is more than just a word; it’s a notion that places humans at the centre of existence, emphasising the unique value and capability of every individual.
It is not about dismissing higher powers or ignoring spirituality, but rather about focusing on what we, as humans, can achieve both individually and collectively.
The idea of humanism took root during the Renaissance, a period of intellectual rebirth in Europe, when thinkers revisited the classical knowledge of Greece and Rome.
The Latin term humanitas, used by Cicero, referred to cultivating intellect and virtue through edu-cation.
…SO…
What does this mean for you?
Humanism suggests that you have the ability to shape your own path through reason, critical thinking, and ethical choices.
The Renaissance humanists, who studied subjects like grammar, rhetoric, history, and philosophy, believed in developing well-rounded individuals who could make informed and ethical decisions in society.
This movement laid the foundation for the idea that we, as humans, possess an innate potential to grow and evolve.
The “Ism” in Humanism
You might wonder about the suffix “-ism.”
In humanism, this suffix indicates a belief system or ideology.
It’s a way of thinking or approaching the world that focuses on humans, our values, and our capabilities.
“-Ism” often reflects an organised movement or set of ideas.
In this case, human-ism became a collective response to the Renaissance’s call for personal and societal transformation through human-centered learning and reasoning.
It is a reminder that at the core of humanism is the faith in progress, grounded in our own effort and knowledge.
Humanity: Compassion at Our Core
While human-ism focuses on human intellect and progress, human-ity refers to the qualities that define us as human beings:
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Compassion
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Empathy
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The capacity for Kindness
Humanity is not just a biological definition; it’s about how:
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We interact with each other
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How we care for the world
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How we extend ourselves to others in times of need.
The word humanity also derives from humanitas, but its meaning extends to encompass the entire human race and the qualities that connect us, emotionally and ethically.
The “Ity” in Humanity
The suffix “-ity” refers to a state or quality.
In humanity, it represents the very essence of being human, particularly the emotional and moral aspects of our nature.
It’s not about intellectual achievements alone but about how we live, relate, and co-exist with others.
It’s the state of being human and the expression of our better traits:
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Compassion
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Empathy
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The drive for mutual innerstanding
Humanism and Humanity: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Though humanism emphasises intellectual and individual growth, and humanity focuses on compassion and shared experience, both concepts are interconnected.
Together, they offer _a complete picture of who we are__._
Humanism pushes us to think critically and act ethically, while humanity reminds us to remain compassionate and connected to others.
As Dr. Malachi Z. York argued, true enlightenment comes from understanding our shared nature and striving toward both personal and collective growth.true enlightenment comes from understanding our shared nature and striving toward both personal and collective growth
Humanity in Action Today
In today’s world, as we navigate global crises like war, climate change, political instability, and inequality, humanity plays a crucial role.
Acts of kindness, service, and activism reflect our shared human nature.
It is not enough to be intelligent or informed; we must also care.
Our shared experiences and the empathy we show toward others are what make us human.
As you move through life, recognise that both human-ism and human-ity are essential.
They remind us to seek knowledge but never at the expense of KINDNESS.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
Humanism and humanity shape how you live, think, and connect.
Humanism, through its philosophical lens, empowers you to take responsibility for your growth, while humanity calls on you to act with compassion toward others.
OVER-standing both concepts can inspire a more thoughtful, ethical life.
The journey through human-ism and human-ity isn’t just about history or philosophy.
They are about recognising your potential and your responsibility to others.
…SO…
As you explore these ideas, remember that growth and empathy go hand in hand.
Embrace your intellectual capacity, but never forget you heart.
Your organ that connects you to those around you.
PEACE & LOVE,
Kwadw(o) Naya:
ARE YOU A TRUE HUMAN?
Check out the following book review, it may be one for you to add to your collection:
A pulling and compelling anthology revolving life’s crucial issues [2]
The Raising of the 144,000 is an anthology of short stories and articles that captures different life’s issues.
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