The Universality of Humanity

There are approximately 200 countries in the world. There are more than 7,000 living languages in the world. By some estimates, there are more than 10,000 religions and spiritual beliefs in the world. There are thousands of cultural traditions across the globe. In many ways, the conditions are ripe for constant misunderstanding and persistent conflict. Hell, sometimes we can’t even agree in the same language.

But something that strikes me is how humanity and compassion rise above language, above culture, above religion, and above social norms and mores. The kinship we share as human beings can transcend nearly any and every obstacle we face. Treating each other as human beings is a superpower.

Here are some examples of that transcendent superpower from across the world:

• The dog that was rescued in Kazakhstan from raging waters by a group of strangers forming a human chain. A statue has since been unveiled to commemorate the rescue.

• The Wall of Humanity in Iran. Created by some young people in Iran to provide clothing and other necessities for people in need so they wouldn’t be embarrassed.

• Abdul Sattar Edhi from Pakistan created the Edhi Foundation. It runs the world’s largest volunteer ambulance network, along with homeless shelters, animal shelters, rehabilitation centers, and orphanages. The motto is “Live and Help Live.”

• Cheng Changjiang saved three children from drowning in China. But he lost his life during the rescue attempt. He was 18.

• Kenny the cashier at a Chicago McDonald’s, who helped a gentleman in need eat his meal.

We are so constantly bombarded with messages from elected leaders, the news, and social media that anything that’s a different color, different language, or different culture from ours is “bad” and needs to be eradicated. It can truly be a challenge to believe that things like empathy and kindness exist everywhere in the world. But they do.

Do I believe that bad people doing bad things don’t exist? Not at all. But the “bad” stories sell. The “good” stories don’t. So…we tend to hear about the worst of the worst and apply it broadly to all circumstances, usually subconsciously. It’s this constant barrage of “news” that allows us to dehumanize entire peoples and nations as something “other.”  

What I do believe is the majority of human beings in the world truly embrace humanity and simply want a better, happier life for themselves and their families. I truly believe most people don’t wish harm on their fellow human beings – regardless of cultural, linguistic, and religious differences. I believe for every “bad” story we hear, there are hundreds of “good” stories that don’t get told.

If I’ve learned nothing else in my years, it’s that humanity is a universal constant – and we can truly find it everywhere in the world.

Until next week.

Andy

(All written content created the old-fashioned way.)