Humanity

Description

Humanity is an attitude of caring and mercy toward all people. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. We all suffer and rejoice. Although in the eternal scheme of life, each of us is small, we are one of a kind, irreplaceable. We lose our humanity whenever we generalize about a group of people and separate ourselves from them because of external characteristics such as race or sex. We tap into our humanity when we put ourselves in others’ shoes and are genuinely concerned for their welfare. Our humanity grows as we serve others. There is no “they”, only “us”.

 The Practice of Humanity

• I feel a common bond with all people.
• I value each person as an individual.
• I refrain from prejudice.
• I feel empathy for the suffering of others.
• I have a passion for compassion.
• I offer humanitarian service.

Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™.

In Family Life

The virtue of humanity finds its true essence when applied to family life, transforming it into a haven of unconditional love, empathy, and understanding. Embracing humanity within the family unit means cherishing each member’s uniqueness and nurturing an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.

It involves helping during tough times, celebrating joys, and offering unwavering support in every endeavor. Through acts of kindness and selflessness, family members reinforce their bonds, creating a safe space where everyone feels valued and cared for.

As humanity thrives within the family, it becomes a beacon of strength, fostering personal growth, forgiveness, and a deep sense of belonging, weaving a tapestry of unbreakable connections that stand the test of time.

Balancing Humanity

Humanity fosters a sense of interconnectedness and inclusivity. By balancing this virtue, we care for ourselves as well as others.

• • • Compassion: Compassion complements humanity by encouraging us to acknowledge the suffering of others with kindness and understanding without sacrificing our well-being.
    • Justice: Justice ensures that our compassion is grounded in fairness, seeks the truth, and is not influenced by the perceptions of others.
    • Wisdom: Wisdom guides us in discerning when to extend empathy and assistance, helping us avoid overextending ourselves while still prioritizing the needs of others.
    • Humility: Humility reminds us of our limitations and encourages us to approach others humbly, recognizing that we are all flawed beings needing grace and understanding.

In cultivating the virtue of humanity, it is essential to strike a balance between empathy and self-care, recognizing that our capacity to care for others is intrinsically linked to our ability to care for ourselves.