Humanity - An Exploration
by Keith Raniere

ow do we know what it is to be human? Such an exploration requires we not only know ourselves, but also know that which we have in common with others. If we fail to interact with others, we cannot know what it is to be human and thus experience our humanity. The experience of our commonality - our connection, the fundamental qualities inherent in all people - is a lifetime journey that culminates in wisdom and the recognition of the humane, or, the best qualities of being human.

In our ever-evolving technology, life has become complex while remaining seemingly simple. For instance, to eat we no longer simply grow our own food. This once straightforward process has been replaced by a highly complex, interdependent, multi-functional series of relationships between humans and technology, giving way to our

ability to "order in." When we "order in," a prepared, pre-grown, anonymously organized meal appears at our door. "Anonymous" is the key.

We stand the risk of forgetting the fundamental relationships between ourselves and our world - of trading our humanity for mere modern convenience. We, as human beings, seem to have a propensity to forget about each other due to lack of exposure. In our current world, we are given the sadly fatal opportunity to view each other as objects. On our roadways, we forget our humanity and see others not as humans, but as drivers; simple objects to be avoided, overcome, or punished at will. This is more commonly known as "road rage." Imagine if we behaved towards each other in interpersonal situations as we do on our roads.

The necessity of human interaction has been gradually minimized by our sophistication. If we follow this trend, without experiencing one another, we lose our humanity and lose a vital experience of ourselves through others.