What Does it Mean to be Human?
Human beings are
defined in the dictionary as having human form or attributes and being susceptible
to or representative of the sympathies and frailties of human nature. I believe that this definition of a human
being is true to a point; however it does not clearly differentiate humans from
other living organisms. A human being
has a definitive structure. The
structure usually consists of two eyes, one nose, a mouth, two arms, two legs,
and etc. We discussed in class that at a
point humans resembled the great apes. Human beings have near identical genetic coding
as well as similar outward appearances. Therefore, having the human form is not
entirely the definition of why we are human.
The definition also states that humans express
emotion. People, for example, are able
to show affection to those they love and care for. Just the same, animals also have the ability
to show loving affection equally as well as people do. For instance, a dog will show companionship
toward its owner. The similarities are
evident in both species.
While these reasons construct a suitable definition
for what it means to be a human being, there is not enough data to completely
distinguish humans from all other beings on earth. Humans have a distinct superiority over all
other organisms on the planet. People
not only have the ability to think rationally but they also have the power to
use this knowledge to advance to the highest level of achievement. An example of this is surgical
technology. Humans possess the ability
to educate themselves thoroughly. This
use of education leads to technological advancement in society, thus making
humans the most superior beings on planet earth.
Scientifically,
the only proven difference between humans and other animals is genetics. All
beings are able to express themselves naturally in their own enviornments.This
defines where everyone and everything ranks in the circle of life.
Bibliography
Adang,
Otto. "Parallels Between Humans and Other
Animals." 1998.