The why

What is it to be human?... 


We might seem to accept that the meaning of the word explains itself and is universal, - but in practice, the meaning of the word is as complex – with as many possibilities - as we are as humans ourselves…. 


We find ourselves using the term "human" to describe a quality… of actions, emotions, behaviors and values of people… We distinguish ourselves and the systems we have created - and inhabit - organizations, companies, communities… governments, culture, society or any big system. 
 

If we focus on what "human" is, how might we recognise it?  Empathy, compassion, fairness. Can we define "human"? If so - how do we measure it? 


If we want to be more human – what are the behaviours we choose to show, the values we choose to live, the principles we adhere to, the policies we implement… the rules we create - and follow?...  


What are we being now?... What could we choose to become? 
 
If we consider ourselves as a collective - part of a society, organization, or system… can we actually say how human - it is? What makes it more - or less - human? Are we able to quantify it?.... 


What is the minimum level of humanness that we'd like to exist in our society? 


If we have a wish to help build more ‘human’ systems, there are many questions to ask…. And only when we begin to ask and answer at least some of these questions… we can start to create a vision – of where we want to go… what we want to build… in which way we can influence - the whole   we are part of. 
 
Where does humanness hide? Get lost in our systems? Can we find it in a piece of art? Can art not be human? 
 
When we look in the mirror – what do we see? And what about when we look inside ourselves?...   If we would like to measure ourselves, what would we look for? Do we look for the same things? Probably not… If we learn what others are looking for in their mirrors… their reflections? Would it help us?
 
There are many questions we can ask, and I am sure no definite answers…. I do believe that if try to understand… gain awareness… a sense of meaning – we can get closer to the essence of humanness…. and then act accordingly.
 
This is an invitation, to explore…. to sense… in any way you feel is appropriate. Through conversation, silence, art, self-reflection… movement, stillness, music? There are many possibilities. No boundaries. The experience is yours to create, alone or with others. Let your imagination free – be as you are – 

text: Goran Kelecic
reading: Chris Rekatas