What makes us uniquely human?
The question of what it means to be human is more nebulous and complicated than it might be convenient to believe. We know there is sophisticated communication between trees and surrounding vegetation. We are discovering that all forms of matter have forms of interaction which might not occur in the form of a language we can put on an app and offer as a language course, but it is communication. It is tough to make an argument for using communication as a distinguishing characteristic of humans. One might want to argue that humans are more verbose, obtuse and ego centric in their language, but it is not language or communication per se which distinguishes us.
Is it the ability for complicated reasoning which distinguishes us? The fruit fly has a neuron structure in the brain which is similar the human brain Is our ability to reason our distinguishing characteristic? It could be posited that our ability to think irrationally surpasses that of all other life forms.
It could also be posited that the human ability to pontificate about what it means to be human surpasses that of all other beings.
Many have observed that humans are the only form of matter which seems to be displeased with being themselves and who spend countless hours, untold wealth and experience extreme existential angst accepting (if they do) that it is okay to be them. Is it possible that this is the only factor which distinguished us from all other life forms?
We certainly cannot claim that we are the only beings who build structures, have elaborate dating rituals or have highly skilled home decorators although we may be the only beings who require a certification for being recognized as a decorator. For some beings “the proof is in the pudding”. If a desirable mate is enticed to enter an area or structure to socialize does it earn the equivalent of a 5 start rating?
Many other beings seem to engage in a variety of sexual practices with themselves, the same sex, the opposite sex and other species. Some, such as the male snake, have the advantage of two penises. Again, we humans seem to be the only beings who criminalize or imprison those who enjoy various forms of sexual pleasure.
There must be something positive which distinguishes us from other forms of matter. Yet it is very difficult to name or elucidate what that might be. Could it be that size matters? Could it be that the sheer potential scope of both the damage we are capable to doing and the healing (physical, emotional and “spiritual”) we are capable of doing is what distinguishes us?
The modern version of the Hippocratic oath which was adopted by the World Medical Association Organization states:
The Physician's Oath
I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;
I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;
I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity;
The health of my patient will be my first consideration;
I will respect the secrets which are confided in me;
I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honour and the noble traditions of the medical profession;
My colleagues will be my brothers and sisters;
I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, gender, politics, socioeconomic standing, or sexual orientation to intervene between my duty and my patient;
I will maintain the utmost respect for human life; even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity;
I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour.
As science and thoughtful dialogue refined the understanding of physicians (healers) this oath has changed over time to become more inclusive and more accepting of who we are as humans.
Perhaps the ever-evolving physicians oath demonstrates the ability of humans to learn and practice what makes intuitive sense to most life forms. Our only distinguishing characteristic may be the extent of our ability to both complicate the simplest of issues and the ability to then simplify the complication.
Written August 25, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
The question of what it means to be human is more nebulous and complicated than it might be convenient to believe. We know there is sophisticated communication between trees and surrounding vegetation. We are discovering that all forms of matter have forms of interaction which might not occur in the form of a language we can put on an app and offer as a language course, but it is communication. It is tough to make an argument for using communication as a distinguishing characteristic of humans. One might want to argue that humans are more verbose, obtuse and ego centric in their language, but it is not language or communication per se which distinguishes us.
Is it the ability for complicated reasoning which distinguishes us? The fruit fly has a neuron structure in the brain which is similar the human brain Is our ability to reason our distinguishing characteristic? It could be posited that our ability to think irrationally surpasses that of all other life forms.
It could also be posited that the human ability to pontificate about what it means to be human surpasses that of all other beings.
Many have observed that humans are the only form of matter which seems to be displeased with being themselves and who spend countless hours, untold wealth and experience extreme existential angst accepting (if they do) that it is okay to be them. Is it possible that this is the only factor which distinguished us from all other life forms?
We certainly cannot claim that we are the only beings who build structures, have elaborate dating rituals or have highly skilled home decorators although we may be the only beings who require a certification for being recognized as a decorator. For some beings “the proof is in the pudding”. If a desirable mate is enticed to enter an area or structure to socialize does it earn the equivalent of a 5 start rating?
Many other beings seem to engage in a variety of sexual practices with themselves, the same sex, the opposite sex and other species. Some, such as the male snake, have the advantage of two penises. Again, we humans seem to be the only beings who criminalize or imprison those who enjoy various forms of sexual pleasure.
There must be something positive which distinguishes us from other forms of matter. Yet it is very difficult to name or elucidate what that might be. Could it be that size matters? Could it be that the sheer potential scope of both the damage we are capable to doing and the healing (physical, emotional and “spiritual”) we are capable of doing is what distinguishes us?
The modern version of the Hippocratic oath which was adopted by the World Medical Association Organization states:
The Physician's Oath
I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;
I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;
I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity;
The health of my patient will be my first consideration;
I will respect the secrets which are confided in me;
I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honour and the noble traditions of the medical profession;
My colleagues will be my brothers and sisters;
I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, gender, politics, socioeconomic standing, or sexual orientation to intervene between my duty and my patient;
I will maintain the utmost respect for human life; even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity;
I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour.
As science and thoughtful dialogue refined the understanding of physicians (healers) this oath has changed over time to become more inclusive and more accepting of who we are as humans.
Perhaps the ever-evolving physicians oath demonstrates the ability of humans to learn and practice what makes intuitive sense to most life forms. Our only distinguishing characteristic may be the extent of our ability to both complicate the simplest of issues and the ability to then simplify the complication.
Written August 25, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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