What does "genuinely human" means?

What Does It Mean to Be “genuinely human”?

(How do “I” become genuinely human?)

Introduction

As you may have read, my background is in Philosophy and World Religions.

Thus, this question will be investigated both analytically, psychologically as well as spiritually.

First, let’s begin by defining both “genuine” and then ‘human nature”.  These will be our first principle, which are the starting points that are agreed upon. 

The etymology of genuine is from the Sanskrit word jenya, meaning, true/truth, genuine, of noble origin.  In Latin, genuinum, means that which is truly from its source, belonging.  For example, the label “genuine diamond” indicates mined diamonds as opposed to a lab created one.  Both are diamonds per se.  They both have the same physical and chemical composition, the same brilliance and look the same.  Thus, this implies there is both a genuine expression of human nature and a not-so-genuine expression.  Yet, this does not imply that human nature as such is changeable.  Another example, the sun shines, though on cloudy stormy days the sun is blocked, yet the sun itself shines.

What about the word “human”?  All humans are human beings, share in the same nature, commonly referred to as Humanity.  No matter the size, shape, color, etc., we are human beings, within the greater sphere of sentient beings, i.e., we feel, perceive and experience emotions.  Persons may express, embody, act differently, however, each is a member of the species Homosapien, a wise or knowledgeable person.  To reuse an overused example, both Gandhi and Hitler were human, though how they expressed their humanness was vastly different.  Hard to believe even Jeffrey Dahmer remained a human being no matter how monstrous his thoughts and action were.  Since we are all humans, then we are equal at the level of our shared humanity. 

To summarize: This blog’s purpose is to contemplate together what it means to be genuinely human.

  Above we investigated the title of website—genuinely human. 

1.     Genuine is defined as that which comes from the source. 

2.     Our shared humanity ensures all human beings are equal, identical in their shared nature. 

3.     Yet, one’s personal embodiment of humanity is able to be demonic to and through saintly.  Perhaps in the same lifetime. 

Questions to ponder:

1.     Is human nature innately bad or good? 

2.     What allows persons such as Mao Zedong and Mother Teresa to embody their vastly different personal humanity? 

3.     How it is I am able to be extremely kind one moment and then rage with anger a few moments later?  Perplexing, yes?

In this contemplation on your expression of being human, jot down the thought that surface in your consciousness. 

As Socrates states, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

If you would like to share your thoughts, kindly submit them via the form at the end of website.  I’d love to read your contemplations.

(Bear with me here.  The beginning of the blog will be more principle driven.  Then afterwards, once First principles have been established and agreed upon, more easily digested blogs will be presented.   Any questions or concerns, please email me with form at end of website.)