The Human Race
Uploaded by snwboarder on Oct 27, 2011
This essay gives an opinion as to whether or not the writer is proud or ashamed of the human race.
The Human Race – Outline
I Introduction
II The Good Things
A Artistic Endeavor
B Scientific Endeavor
C Human Spirit
III The Bad Things
A War
B Negative Human Characteristics
C Environmental Damage
IV Conclusion
The Human Race
I Introduction
If I had to guide a visitor from the Planet Twylo around Earth, would I be proud or ashamed of the human race? This isn’t a trivial question; it goes directly to the heart of what it means to be a sentient human lifeform.
I jotted down the things that came to mind in a fairly short time, pro and con (the list is at the end of this essay). Unfortunately, I would have to say that on balance, I am ashamed of the human race. Let’s explore both sides of the question. (This essay has no sources but is my opinion on these matters from the perspective of having lived on the planet and observed humanity’s interaction with itself and other lifeforms.)
II The Good Things
Under things to be proud of, I’ve listed art, music, education, science, medicine, technology, exploration and conservation. These break down into three groups: art, music and education would all be in what I’d consider the “artistic” category; science, medicine and technology are in the “scientific” category; and exploration and conservation find themselves in the “human spirit” category.
Art and music, and the education to appreciate them, are to me some of the finest qualities of humanity. Great art, great music, fine literature—all these can lift us out of ourselves, and make us aware of things beyond us. They put us in touch with our past and the geniuses that came before us; they point the way to the future. I think the arts are the highest achievements of humanity.
Also indicating what we can accomplish are science, medicine and technology. Developments in science and medicine have led to longer life spans, generally healthier people (in developed nations), and everything from more abundant food to cleaner water. Technology has led to significantly faster communications worldwide; in fact, it has impacted almost every area of our lives, from microwave ovens to microwave satellite transmissions.
These achievements are impressive, and humanity has come a very long way. Unfortunately, its ugly side far outweighs the good.
III The Bad Things
Under things I’m ashamed of, I’ve listed war, greed, sexism, racism, homophobia, oppression, cruelty, genocide, religious fundamentalism,...