What Makes Us Human?

Humanity is what makes humans different from other creatures, and it is a core trait whereby everyone becomes the same transcending religious, cultural, and gender differences. It is the fundamental quality that makes us human—sentient, emotional, and logical beings with the capacity for moral reasoning, deep thought, compassion, and empathy. At the heart of humanity lies our shared capacity for self-awareness, our ability to think critically about the world, and our innate need to find meaning and happiness in life. The thread that unites us together is humanity, which serves as a constant reminder that, above all else, we are just humans. Regardless of our upbringing or circumstances, it is the basis on which we all stand and from which our societies, communities, and interpersonal relationships are constructed. We can get over the obstacles that keep us apart so frequently when we accept our common humanity. 

Religion, culture, age, gender, and even interpersonal relationships lose significance in light of the essential reality that all people are entitled to respect, decency, and the chance to flourish. 

Although religion offers a sense of belonging and spiritual guidance, mankind is more than these things. It demands that everyone be treated with kindness and tolerance, regardless of their religious views. Before we are Hindu or Muslim, Eastern or Western, man or woman, young or old, we are human. Humanitarian deeds have a broad appeal and application and are not limited to any one doctrine. Religious leaders spread messages of love, compassion, and tolerance that transcend theological divisions. People from various religious backgrounds come together to help one another in times of distress. 

Cultures shape our values, customs, identities, and ways of life, and influence our worldviews, but humanity transcends cultural differences. Our ability to experience love, grief, happiness, and sorrow unites us despite our differences in culture. Humanity is beyond bias and cultural norms. It inspires us to value diversity in languages, cultures, and practices while acknowledging our shared heritage. Festivals and celebrations that bring diverse cultural communities together to celebrate our common joys and traditions. Intercultural friendships and partnerships promote mutual understanding and admiration. 

Gender is a social construct that establishes identities and roles and frequently results in injustice and imbalance. Equality should never be impeded by a person's gender. Humanity upholds the belief that every individual, regardless of gender, is entitled to equality, respect, and decency. Irrespective of our gender identity, we are all human. It argues for the elimination of stereotypes and prejudices, creating a world in which everyone can prosper. Women in leadership roles challenge gender stereotypes, while men actively participate in family tasks, defying established gender conventions. Transgenders assert their right to be treated with dignity as the gender they identify with.

Age is just a number; it's a chronological marker in our lives, but it doesn't determine our worth or potential. From the innocence of infants to the wisdom of old age, humanity values the distinctive contributions that people of all ages make to society. Instead of focusing primarily on differences in life stages, we should observe and engage with one another through the prism of our humanity. A little child's innocence and an elderly person's wisdom can provide useful insights that cross age barriers. Intergenerational friendships and mentorships that cross age barriers reveal our shared humanity. 

Our relationships, whether with family, friends, or lovers, have an immense effect on our lives. But humanity goes beyond these boundaries. It includes strangers, neighbors, and those we may never meet. Humanity encourages us to treat strangers with the same respect and care as we would our loved ones. Prioritizing our shared humanity allows us to form deeper, more meaningful relationships that go beyond familial, romantic, and societal ties. Strangers helping each other in times of crisis, showcasing our innate capacity for empathy and kindness.

To claim that "man is first and foremost a human, and then anything else" is to emphasize our common humanity over all other labels and classifications. Humanity is the foundation on which we develop our society, institutions, and systems. It is the overarching idea that should guide our decisions, policies, and interactions with one another. By putting our shared humanity first, we can build a more just, fair, and sensitive world. No matter what the religion, the culture, the gender, the caste, the creed, the age, the color, the territory, the relationship of an individual— Man is a man First of all, beyond everything else!