Ramblings about human nature

Humanity refer to ourselves as homo sapiens, or "wise man". It is not difficult to find out why. We as a human race has succeeded in finding out more about the world around us. Galaxies far away, what lies beneath the seas, about the densest forests on Earth... We have managed to find out ways to survive in the desert, in the Siberian wilderness and in tropical landscapes. We have found out how to travel by land, sea and even air, despite us not being equipped by nature to do so (after all, we have no wings like birds or fins like fish). We have managed to form complex societies that massively outweighs the complexities of animal groups, and created moral rules that govern the ebb and flow of our societies. I suppose, in a sense, we have proven our exceptional wisdom, and enlightenment amongst the creatures and living things on Earth.

But there is a more disturbing side to the human psyche. We call ourselves wise and enlightened, but when we look at how we conduct ourselves sometimes, it is worth questioning this thought. When we look to the horror in the planes and hills of Rwanda and the horror in the valleys of Bosnia, we cannot help but question our intrinsic morality. If man can coolly and systematically exterminate others of their kind just because they are of different races and ethnicity, how can we be considered enlightened? Even animals do not do so. They may hunt or be antagonistic towards each other, but it is for the sake of their survival, given that the doctrine of survival of the fittest that thoroughly permeates nature. On the other hand, we have our own sense of morality that we promise to uphold on the societal and individual levels: killing, stealing and robbing are wrong, while doing charitable work and working hard to eke out a living are righteous things to do. Yet, one is led to wonder why many of us still do such wrongs. 

I suppose such is the nature of the human condition. Just like how we have the potential to do good to others and nature itself, we also have the potential for evil and horrific acts. That is what fascinates me about crimes. Why do people act in such a way? When does kindness give way to selfishness and hatred? Are we bound to this inchoate morality? Is it inevitable that darkness within us shall displace light?

That is what fascinates me about crimes. I see flashes of humanity in them, somewhat ironically. It makes me wonder how we can cease to be humane, when that is a corollary of humanity itself? Lots of questions, but little answers...