This question is perfect example of what it means to be human. No other species has the ability and desire to explore such existential and philosophical questions. We have evolved to the point where we have subjugated Mother Nature and are no longer subject to her whims. There is no need for any further physical evolution, leaving only our minds room to expand. By contemplating deeply philosophical questions, we grow on the personal and societal level. Discoveries about ourselves ensue, encouraging further growth and expansion.
However, philosophical thought is not the only trait that defines humanity. Humanity is a many-faceted concept. It sets us apart from all other species, whether extant or extinct. Unfortunately, our humanity has diminished as we gradually become jaded and detached from our baser instincts. We see ourselves as supreme beings and pride ourselves on our ability to suspend emotion and instinct and think the cold, unfeeling thoughts of logical, objective thinking. Our culture and lifestyle has become so enamored with knowledge and complete cognition that we have largely abandoned the another pillar of our humanity; emotion. When the basely human thing to do would be to display and act upon emotion, we instead rely on our intellect and cognitive abilities to resolve the situation.
Our emotions are further smothered by the proliferation of communication technology. Much of contemporary communication in industrialized regions has been reduced to extremely limiting text-only messages. This is almost completely impersonal and allows little, if any, of our humanity to shine through the black-and-white characters on a electronic display; emotion is extremely difficult to convey through such a medium. There are no visual cues and body language that our right brains are so adept at interpreting. We rely on these visual cues to indicate emotion, intent, and interest and adjust our language, both verbal and physical, accordingly. There are precious few situations in which such relatively intimate communication is still readily available, due to the portability of texting technology.
Fortunately for us, it is not too late to undo much of the harm we have wreaked on ourselves and every other component of the natural world. We must strive to encourage one another to express emotion. Face-to-face communication is a necessity, which requires a reduction in our reliance on technology. Individuals must once again care for one another, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, and all other points of discrimination that infect our species. Perhaps we may one day achieve a lifestyle and culture that can allow us to live in complete harmony with each other and nature for 40,000 years as the Australian Aboriginal people have.
This is great philosophical exploration! I like how you explain that humans don't rely on evolution and that we've have lost some ties with Mother Nature. We're strong because we have the brainpower to expand our lives and survivability on our own. I also love how you include humanity's lack of real communication. Like you said, texting is a very popular form of communication, yet it's extremely limited and emotion can only be determined by a smiley or frown face. Great writing Caleb
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