On Being Human

Holy crap! It’s 2025! Here we are starting a new year. I’ve been writing about being human for a few months now – and it made me think about two questions. What’s the difference between us today and humans from 50,000 years ago? Our fashion choices, I’d bet. Modes of transportation is likely another. Technology we use is probably a safe bet as well. We could probably make a pretty long list of things outside of us that have changed.  

What’s the same between us today and humans from 50,000 years ago? Or 40,000 years…or 1,000 years…or 300 years…or even 20 years. Well, we’re still human. Even when the world around us advances at an incredible pace, we’re still human. I would like to think we still have similar emotions, feelings, shortcomings, hopes, dreams, and determination our ancestors had 200 years ago…2,000 years ago…even 20,000 years ago (granted, I’m speculating). But what is true is that we have years and years of practice being human…and there’s something very calming about that to me.  

It also got me to thinking – what is the origin of the word human (its etymology)? I mean, we toss it around on a regular basis and use it almost every day. But how did it start?

Well, I learned a couple of interesting things. Apparently, the word “human” can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root term “dhghem,” which means earth. The term is also associated with other earth-related words like soil (humus) and humility (being low or close to the ground). Huh…who knew?

In ancient times, the word human was used to differentiate we mere mortals from the gods and other mythical beings. We are of the earth, close to the earth, and are grounded in the earth.

To me, there’s something very refreshing and liberating to conceptualize who we are in this way (and the fact that our ancestors shared a similar view). We’re not gods. We’re not above the laws of nature. We have limitations. We’re not perfect. We’re close to the earth and get our hands dirty.

Throughout the course of history, the word has evolved to some degree to better reflect the complexities of the world around us, but nothing has fundamentally changed at its core.

Additionally, the word “humane” is derived from the word human – showing kindness, compassion, and consideration for others.

This is who we are: A grounded creature that is not a god or mythical being, that is imperfect, and that has the inherent capacity for kindness, empathy, and compassion (we also have the inherent capacity for meanness, cruelty, and hatred).

Choice is also a part of being human. How we choose to embrace our humanity, live our humanity, and explore our humanity is completely up to us. In other words, we’re not a bunch of code trying to emulate humanity. We are truly, authentically human. That’s incredibly powerful. It also means there’s a world of possibility at our doorstep. Where will your human journey take you?

Here's to an amazing (and very human) 2025.

Until next week.

Cheers,

Andy