I've often wondered about the connection between "showing humanity" and "being a human", and what this connection really means.
After a little research, it appears that the word "man", used to designate the whole of humanity, has evolved to give way to the term "human", adopted to represent our species.
We humans have the capacity to distinguish right from wrong, to feel empathy and compassion, and to show solidarity. We can reflect on the meaning of life, on the values that define us, and set ourselves goals. This leads us to choose to live ethically, not just for survival. This is what sets us apart from other beings on Earth.
This link between "being human" and our species seems to be deeply rooted in our nature, but also in our cultural, social and ethical values. Perhaps that's why we call ourselves human.
Does this mean that a human being spontaneously demonstrates humanity?
Do we all come into the world with kindness, a spirit of solidarity, respect for others and a desire to share?
Studies show that children are born with early empathy and instinctively share with others around the age of one. Of course, every child also has a natural egocentricity, and depending on his or her upbringing, the emphasis will be on competition and independence.
But despite this, benevolence is very much present from an early age.
So what happened?
Looking around the world, I ask myself: how did we get to this point in 2024?
Wars are breaking out everywhere. Respect for our fellow human beings deteriorates, simply because they have a different skin color, a different religion or customs from ours.
Is it really necessary to crush others to be the strongest? It seems to me that we're basically taught to work harder to deserve success, not to crush others to achieve it.
Yet we have the capacity to understand, learn and remember. So why don't we remember the mistakes of our history? Past mistakes, famines and suffering?
Just as a child is born with an innate capacity for kindness, solidarity and sharing, these values are present in all of us. If we nurture and encourage them, if we accept our differences, we will understand that we have so much to learn from each other.
When we walk through the corridors of a hospital, accompanying a child battling cancer, we parents are one big family. No matter what our social background, skin color, religious beliefs or customs. We're all fighting the same battle, and the solidarity between us is spontaneous.
This must also be possible in a world outside the hospital.
At this time of year, when these values of solidarity, generosity and benevolence are deeply rooted in our cultures and emotions, I want to believe in humanity's capacity to show humanity.
The holidays are a reminder of the importance of these values in a world that sorely needs them. They give us the opportunity to strengthen our ties and think of those less fortunate than ourselves.
That's why I'm appealing to your generosity. Whether for Zoé4life - because, yes, we need your help to give children with cancer a future - or for any other organization, Let's make December a month of sharing and solidarity.
Our differences are our strength. I'm convinced of that. We are all "One human family". "One human family", a family united by our humanity, whatever our skin color, beliefs or customs.
I may be a utopian, but I firmly believe that if each of us makes a gesture of solidarity, shows kindness and respect to those around us, and passes on these values to those around us, we can make this world a better place.
And if you don't do it for yourself, think of the children who will take over from you...
As the year draws to a close, I wish you to find beauty in each of your days, to marvel at each of your successes, to enjoy every moment of happiness in the company of those who are important to you, and to be ready to face the challenges of the future. to preserve the humanity that makes us people with enormous power....
To change things.
Natalie Guignard-Nardin, December 2024
