The ONA Foundation

The Human Experience

Biology says Homo sapiens. Philosophy says a reasoning moral agent. Neither quite answers the question, so what does being Human actually mean?

What does being Human even mean?

Being human is a complex and multifaceted question that has been explored by various disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, biology, anthropology, and religion. Obviously there is no definitive or universally accepted answer to what it means to be human, but some possible ways to approach this question are:

  • Being human means being a member of the Homo sapiens species.

    This is a biological perspective that defines humans by their genetic and anatomical characteristics, such as having a large brain, bipedal locomotion, opposable thumbs, and language ability. However, this perspective may not capture the uniqueness and diversity of human cultures, behaviors, and experiences.

  • Being human means being a rational and moral agent.

    This is a philosophical perspective that defines humans by their capacity to reason, to make choices, and to act according to ethical principles. However, this perspective may not account for the limitations and biases of human rationality, the diversity and ambiguity of human morality, and the influence of emotions and instincts on human actions.

  • Being human means being an image-bearer of God.

    This is a religious perspective that defines humans by their relationship to the divine, as creatures who reflect God's attributes and purposes. However, this perspective may not be shared by all religions or by non-religious people, and it may raise questions about the nature and existence of God, and the problem of evil and suffering in the world.

  • Being human means being a social and cultural being.

    This is a psychological and anthropological perspective that defines humans by their interactions with other humans and their environment, as beings who create and transmit meanings, values, norms, and identities. However, this perspective may not explain the origins and evolution of human sociality and culture, and the conflicts and inequalities that arise from human diversity and difference

In our Oneness, we Humans manage to display a very wide range of behavior. We learn from each other, laugh with each other, and grow to love one another…and, in so doing, learn to know and love ourselves, and, thus, the underlying Divinity pf our Universe.

In this section you can read about some of the more poignant and humorous aspects of the Human community, including our origin, which is likely to be far different than you may have been told.