On Humanity

We live in a world of contrasts, where the media we consume is constantly making attempts to emphasize the differences between us as people. We're placed in generational stereotypes, groups based upon our hobbies, assumptions because of nationality or preconceptions that root from our mental or physical state. Even simple things like an opinion on a movie or preference between coffee and tea has created divides on social media. This habit of highlighting what makes us different has an enormous effect on not just individual relationships, but we've been feeling the aftermath even more acutely on a global scale.

Once we realize this and it's profound effect, we would so well to find in each instance of dissonance a call to action. We must cherish our differences and learn how they make us require one another, ultimate bringing us closer. No one person can fulfill all of life's requirements. I, for instance, am not an exceptional person when it comes to the culinary arts, so for me to truly enjoy the fruits of the earth I gladly rely on those who do. In another way, I have had many people's whose kindness and advice have guided me along paths I might not have otherwise traveled. I may not have agreed with them in those moments but their vital contribution to my life is clear now and I believe will be clearer still in the future.

So then, we can say to ourselves, what contribution do we make and what contribution have others made to us? Where do people fill my gaps and where can I fit into those empty spaces that need filling?

We also need to understand that on a deeper level we're all human, which means we're in this together.

Humanity is strength in weakness, it's seeing ourselves for exactly what we are; no more, no less. It's finding the freedom to accept one another in our weaknesses and celebrate our collective strengths. Because as a collective, one person's failure is all people's failure, just as one person's success belongs to us all. This thought recalls to me the immortal words of John Donne, who with his meditation on such thoughts has inspired generations.

"No man is an island, entire of itself;

every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.

If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: 

any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee.-"

- Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, "Meditation XVII"

Of course, these are simple musings. A thought that doesn't nearly scratch the surface of such a meaningful bond between us all. But I hope, in sharing my thoughts with you, that you are inspired to ponderings of your own that can bring you closer to your own personality definition of humanity.