What makes us human?

[DarkSephiroth714]

Re: What makes us human?

the choices we make in life and the mistakes we make make us human

[Caspian]

Re: What makes us human?

The ability to determine b/w right and wrong.
Holy crap some of you people are pessimistic.

[Reincarnation]

Re: What makes us human?

I wouldn't exactly say pessimistic Caspian, but more like in touch with reality. Instead of trying to sugar coat the whole deal they want the true concept to be seen. I mean, do you really want people giving you the same trash talk your teachers gave you in elementary? Whether harsh or not, it's no matter of being pessimistic but more or less true to what there is. Then again... If you don't like the idea you can always ignore it! ^w^


Other life forms can do the same as decipering what's right and wrong by the way! ^-^ For instance: If a pack of sheep go to one part of grazing and every day one of their kind is chomped away by a wolf, do you really think they're going to be that stupid and just keep on goin' back for more? There are a WHOLE lot of examples to show that humans aren't the only ones' with brains that can conclude what's a no-no and what's a right-o! ^0^

[Caspian]

Re: What makes us human?

I meant morality, not good idea/bad idea. Sheep arent the best example for that, but I get your meaning (sheep are one of the stupidest animals there is).
I'm not saying its not an aspect of humanity, but to say all people practice greed and indiscretion and that one characteristic is what determines our humanity seems rather pessimistic. Besides, locust do that exact thing...moving from field to field and devouring everything they can until food runs out, only to move on and do the same thing elsewhere. If thats what defines humanity then no other animal could exhibit it.
Determining an action to be morally right or wrong is something no other creature on Earth shows. Don't steal, don't murder, don't say hateful things to other people.
Ofcourse if you want an answer that sums everything up its probably being sentient. We possess the ability to think things out in a way no other living thing can.

[DieselBoy09]

Re: What makes us human?

Right and wrong are all subjective.
My right and wrongs are most likely far different from yours, and at times to me, they seem to disappear.

I love my sanity.

[Nodachi]

Re: What makes us human?

Holy crap some of you people are pessimistic.

Was thinking this too. Everyone comparing humans to locus. Locus don't realize their destruction (or maybe they do, i don't know) but they don't try to correct their wrongs and prepare for a better future. For as much harm we have caused to the planet we've done a lot in aid of it as well. Population shouldn't be a huge concern except for select countries, i.e. India, China. It's not nearly as bad as some people on here make it to be.

Thought is what makes us human. Animals may have it too but arn't able to express their thought in the same way we do. Thinking, thought. Course there's more, more details: emotions, physical characteristics, speech, language, etc etc.

[Caspian]

Re: What makes us human?

Right and wrong are all subjective.
My right and wrongs are most likely far different from yours, and at times to me, they seem to disappear.

I love my sanity.

Right and wrong are considered subjective to an extent. There is no country or culture that I know of that freely condones the rampant murder of all its citizens. There have been some civilizations that appeared to lack any moral code, but all have atleast have laws or rules prohibiting things like murder and stealing. As a society we do make a lot of different moral beliefs to be subjective, but behind it all there are always core values that everyone knows to be right or wrong. The two I mentioned are extremes but it goes to other things as well. You dont just walk up to some random person on the street and start screaming and cussing at them for no reason. Whether they want to admit it or not, they know that its not a right thing to do, and USUALLY people avoid doing such things. When people are involved in such things, they will almost always w/o fail provide some sort of excuse to why this situation was different and lies outside the normal rules we adhere to. Very few people (the criminally insane mostly), who will do something so outrageous and then say "to hell with your rules, I do what I want"

I also dont agree with the whole "your morals are subjective belief" mentality. These people that proclaim this would probably be rather upset if they found out one of their family members or friends were murdered or raped. If morals are subjective, then whats wrong with someone doing this if they dont personally see anything wrong with it. Laws across the board would be moot and society would proceed into a chaotic fall.

Note: A lot of what I wrote was gleaned from writings of C.S. Lewis.

[KatoArabel]

Re: What makes us human?

I think what makes you people "humans" is the fact that there are always going to be a little bit of stupidity in your little world. Take your idiot American President for example. I need not elaborate any further.

[Caspian]

Re: What makes us human?

I tried to make a valid point with a little bit of insight and intellect. My post may not have been the most profound thing ever written, but I felt I did alright.
Apparently you set the bar a little lower for yourself. You want to mock the hell outta me, then go for it. DO NOT make fun of my country.

[Reincarnation]

Re: What makes us human?

KatoArabel, stupidity is in everyone. So that "you" thing doesn't really help. Of course you know about that "no one's perfect" bs, so why emphasize the you? Go anywhere, ask this question, and guess what? You're going to end up with the same stuff, more or less havoc but pretty much will resemble the same. By the way... That "you" would also include you, now had you said "excluding myself" THEN I wouldn't have made such a fuss.

Caspian, I understand. Sheep probably weren't the best example but I was in a hurry to get to FFXI! @_@ I'm addicted! Well, your point was clear and I must say you did quite the jolly job! ^0^ As for locus... I always thought of them as a bully who can't stop taking lunch money away! (_._) To locus I don't think they even know what they're doing is wrong. In fact, is it really? It IS survival of the fittest. The locus are doing what they must in order to thrive, sure it may hurt others but in reality don't WE have to hurt others to gain what we want?

I'd like to say right now that this topic is going to bring a LOT of hate around. With everyones' ideas coming in and people trying to contradict each other. Here's hoping it doesn't erupt into a battle. Hopefully others, not going to mention one who has already shown up, are more mature and will NOT turn this into a war.

[Caspian]

Re: What makes us human?

I just hope this thread can be read maturely and people can post their opinions freely. Challenging your beliefs is something everyone needs. It often reinforces them and you become stronger for it. Acting like a child and flaming others just causes more anger and problems. That said, I hope this stays civil yet open.

[Reincarnation]

Re: What makes us human?

We can only hope... Only hope...
/em starts making bets it's going to erupt into battle.
<.<; ;>.>

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: What makes us human?

The way we taste.

[Reincarnation]

Re: What makes us human?

/em starts nibbling arm.

Nah! That can't be it! >w<

[KatoArabel]

Re: What makes us human?

I don't mind getting into an argument.

Oh and on the side, I'm also an American...I just think that Republicans made the biggest mistakes ever, compared to Democrats. -.-

Anyway. Yeah... I got no more words to say. I just woke up so my brain isn't running on all six pistons.