What is Human Life?
abracad, · Categories: spiritualityOf the huge variety of living species supported by planet earth human beings are dominant by an order of magnitude. Why should this be, and what responsibilities do we carry as representatives of the "master" race?
At present Darwin's theory of evolution is widely, but not universally, accepted as the mechanism by which life on earth came about and how the best adapted continue to survive, thrive and continue to improve. But beyond mere survival humans crave pleasure for pleasure's sake - art, literature, movies, food, drink, companionship... None of these things directly influence survival, but all are part of our being.
Unlike other species, where Darwinian survival of the fittest appears to perfectly explain the status quo, humans have adopted a formalized social order. We live in societies that are subject to governance and laws, and are subject to various penalties should those laws be broken.
It might be argued that much human progress may be due to the incentivization resulting from enforced laws. These guarantee a degree of protection of an individual's rewards from effort and enterprise, thus making such endeavors more likely. But for all the many benefits brought by laws or moral codes there are few, if any, absolute rights or wrongs. Witness the (often immense) differences between laws throughout history and across cultures. All such systems seem to be attempts to approximate some hypothetical concept of right or wrong, which may or (more likely) may not exist.
Despite our apparent civilization humans also engage in the most horrific acts against ourselves and other species. Whereas "animals" act only for survival, we frequently appear to derive satisfaction from cruelty. Are these merely the expression of Darwinian instincts to further the propagation of our DNA? But paradoxically birth control is more widely practised among more "advanced" societies.
At times we all experience the conflict of whether to act as an individual or member of some group. Spiritually our present existence may be explained as being a part of a whole, temporarily isolated, and seeking our way back to unity.
As we have "progressed" (and it might be argued each step forwards has been accompanied by a corresponding step back) so the level with which we identify has grown larger, eg from family to tribe to nationhood. While it might be argued at each step we have less in common with fellow members, so it may also be seen as inevitable movement towards reconciliation with the oneness of all. We all originate from the one source, remain part of the one source, and shall at the end of our journey be re-united with that single unity.
The 20th century saw unparalleled technological progress, from which the vast majority of us benefit daily. But alongside this progress came the development of weapons of mass destruction, the sum total of which could wipe out humanity many times over. On the one hand we advance, but on the other our animal instincts become far more heinous than any animal.
Does technology really represent progress for our kind in any way? Despite the "wonders" of modern living we continue to work long hours and to suffer mental problems of stress, depression and anxiety in ever-greater degree.
Though we occupy a privileged position at the far end of the spectrum of life on earth, we are not of another order of importance; indeed, it's said our DNA is 99% similar to the chimpanzee. We are mortal. We are vulnerable to entities and events beyond individual control, be they self-inflicted destruction of our planet, or the damaging effects of some microscopic virus. But despite our many frailties our most important attribute is our ability to question, and the will to direct our actions in response to the answers we perceive.
In this life we will witness shocking things, and at times be ashamed of our own thoughts and actions. That is an inevitable part of our condition. Our way forward and path of growth is how we deal with those things, how we incorporate those experiences into our being and complete the circle from whence we came albeit on a higher plane.
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