What differentiates the “human being” from non-human beings?
Reason enough to ask comes from both historical record and the daily account of man’s blatant inhuman behavior, reflecting an unchecked rush toward satisfaction of “animal appetites”. Consider the “seven deadly vices” as ingrained animal kingdom characteristics which are, of course, markedly advanced in the human:
* Lust * Pride
* Avarice (greed) * Envy
* Sloth * Anger
* Gluttony
Perhaps VIRTUES differentiate the “human being” – when they effectively override animal instincts? Let’s take a look …
Articulation of “virtues” has been a central occupation of philosophers since earliest civilization [NOTE: “Civilization”, itself, being a cornerstone human invention, creates an expanded need for all the “humanity” we can muster!] Commonly held Virtues are summarized in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtues and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues
“Virtue (Latin: virtus, Ancient Greek: ἀρετή “arete“) is moral excellence. A virtue is a positive trait or quality deemed to be morally good and thus isvalued as a foundation of principle and good moral being.”
Ancient Egypt Plato/”Cardinal” Theological Heavenly
Truth Temperance Faith Chastity
Balance Prudence/Wisdom Hope Temperance
Order Courage Charity/Love Charity
Law Justice Diligence
Morality Piety Patience
Justice Kindness
Humility
Or how about the Boy Scout Law? A Scout is:
Trustworthy Loyal Helpful
Friendly Courteous Kind
Obedient Cheerful Thrifty
Brave Clean Reverent
And how do these differentiate the human from other animals? Is “Man’s Best Friend” not trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, obedient and brave? Are squirrels not thrifty in collecting and burying nuts for the winter? Is a singing bird notcheerful? Is a stalking/preying animal not patient? How about an Emperor penguin being faithful, diligent, loyal, trustworthy, patient and obedient in balancing an egg on his feet for up to 66 days in sub-freezing cold without food? Are preening birds and cats not clean? Does a hungry bear not have hope of finding food and faith in being able to do so?
Perhaps ulterior motives or innate instincts merely create the appearance of “virtue”?
Here we also encounter another curious and potentially defining characteristic: Perhaps humans are merely better – and/or more creative – at “skirting” the virtues and turning virtues into vices!
But there’s also an underlying, overarching defining characteristic of humanity here:
The inclination/willingness and capacity to act unilaterally on others’ behalf.
Call it “Altruism”?
Whatever you call it, the most defining expression of humanity doesn’t seem to come “naturally” – at least not to everyone, or at least not until “unlocked”, “activated”, mined, refined and distilled … which explains why definition and articulation of the Virtues has been such a longstanding, relentless pursuit by those who think it matters.
As we found in the exploration of “Character”, educational institutions are increasing their fundamental emphases on instilling/embedding the elements of Virtue. (http://lifemasterymusings.blogspot.com/2014/12/character.html)
And it’s extending to colleges and universities:
“An education that exposes students to higher ideals — such as love of mankind, concern for the larger world and the common good, and respect and empathy for others — can help young people develop the moral character necessary to recognize the spuriousness of using usurped power to destroy others.
The Roman philosopher Cicero suggests ‘we need every art to become human.’ “
Seamus Carey, President, Transylvania Universityhttp://www.kentucky.com/2014/12/29/3614872_education-helps-civilize-us-the.html?sp=/99/349/&rh=1#storylink=cpy
So how does one – or a civilization … a society … a nation … a world – put Virtue, Character, Morality, Empathy, etc., into practice; how and when do we start realizing our full potential as human beings?
There’s a simple formulation here:
JUST STOP ACTING LIKE ANIMALS!
The sooner and higher we can rise above our debauched animal-instincts and vested self-interests (politicians take note … ), the sooner and more accomplished our “humanity” will become. As Cicero suggests, the arts – which help shape and articulate the vision of a brighter and better world, and which advance our constructiveness and creativity – are crucial accessory occupations.
Final Points to Ponder
“Animal instincts” are not all bad. They evolved to provide a survival advantage! When debauched and debased, however, they become “Vices”. But if they are productively directed, they can become assets. A key Life Mastery pursuit is figuring out how to do that. Pouring all of one’s “animal instincts” into an identifiable PASSION – be it a career, the arts, a missionary enterprise, sports, etc. – not only provides a survival advantage, but can take one to “Top Dog” status!
FINAL NOTE: Exercise helps tame the “lion” and “tiger” within and fosters the emergence of virtue. Don’t short the A-I (Animal Instinct) BURN! Quartermaster
