2006-10-01 12:16:24 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Humans, or human beings, are bipedal primates belonging to the mammalian species Homo sapiens (Latin for "wise man" or "knowing man") under the family Hominidae (known as the great apes).[1][2] Humans have a highly developed brain capable of abstract reasoning, language and introspection. This, combined with an erect body carriage that frees their upper limbs for manipulating objects, has allowed humans to make greater use of tools than any other species.
Like most primates, humans are by nature social. However, humans are particularly adept at utilizing systems of communication for self-expression and the exchange of ideas. Humans create complex social structures composed of co-operating and competing groups, ranging in scale from individual families to nations, and social interaction between humans has established a variety of traditions, rituals, ethics, values, social norms, and laws which form the basis of human society. Humans also have a marked appreciation for beauty and aesthetics which, combined with the human desire for self-expression, has led to cultural innovations such as art, literature and music.
Humans are also noted for their desire to understand and influence the world around them, seeking to explain and manipulate natural phenomena through science, religion, philosophy and mythology. This natural curiosity has led to the development of advanced tools and skills; humans are the only known species to build fires, cook their food, clothe themselves, and use numerous other technologies.
2006-10-01 12:20:03 · answer #1 · answered by heatherlynnmorrow 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
The sharing of traits as a population, where any individual has the potential to mate with any other individual of the opposite sex, that give us a distinctly different phylogeny from any other species and allows us to be described taxonomically as a separate species from any other phylogenetically unique species of the same genus (Homo) or family (Homonidae).
Well that makes us Homo sapiens at any rate, human is a bit more of a woolly term pertaining to people generally and seems to have been mutable over time according to cultural norms and accepted definitions of what a H. sapiens is, but tool creation/use and acquisition of language are broad traits that define us (not uniquely) as human.
2006-10-01 12:40:38 · answer #2 · answered by blank 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aside from being able to hate, what makes us Human is the ability (and obligation!) to love, i.e show compassion and forgiveness toward others.
Jesus said that the two “first and foremost commandments are: to love God… and to love our neighbour – even if that neighbour is your enemy! Those two are the basis for all other laws. Any interpretations deviating from those two are invalid.
Anybody who does follow those two laws (no matter what “religion” or “denomination”) will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Trouble is we don’t. We are NOT perfect.
That’s why we have the various “religions” and “denominations”, to accommodate OUR various views on what is “good” and what is “evil” according to OUR OWN interpretations instead of listening to Christ’s words, THE TRUTH.
Compassion AND forgiveness are taught and recommended in many religions and by some our past philosophers. But it seams to hard to apply in our daily lives. That’s why so much misinterpretation is rampant.
Do you believe that blaming others and circumstances for all that's wrong in this world without looking at your own part in it is defensible?
Do you believe that hurting others in self-defense is ok? Even if innocent others get hurt in the process?
I don't. As someone put it:
Love (as in compassion and forgiveness toward the "others") is the answer - whatever the question.
Try it! And judge by the results!
2006-10-01 12:30:45 · answer #3 · answered by fresch2 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Theres many things which make us human, like our brains, our upright posture, opposable thumbs, ability to learn, speak and read, etc...
But to me, the thing that makes us truely human, is the ability to be humane.
2006-10-01 13:10:06 · answer #4 · answered by DaMonk 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Cause we prey on each other.Look around title loan places, Temporary employment places, insurance,funeral homes, Doctors,ect... Man does not hunt or gather for himself,its work to profit off another.
2006-10-01 12:22:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well many things but from a anthrpology perspective
bipedalism
our larger brains
apposable thumbs
2006-10-01 12:35:48 · answer #6 · answered by coopchic 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fact we can ask that question. Someone may have already said that but cudnt be bothered 2 real all ove em, sorry if ur tht person lol ;)
2006-10-01 13:25:04 · answer #7 · answered by Nacho 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We have a heart and the ability to make ourselves intelligent.. it's what separate us from the animals.
2006-10-01 12:20:22 · answer #8 · answered by somebody p 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Our ability to reason and feel. To allow ourselves to open up to new opportunities and to experience life to the fullest. To think before we act and to decide what's best for our general well being.
2006-10-01 12:22:03 · answer #9 · answered by Ms. H 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Our human spirit which gives intelligence and saves memories
2006-10-01 12:18:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋