The word humanity as described by a dictionary is the quality marked by compassion or sympathy for human beings or animals. Apparently, it is the quality or state of being human. If true, this statement creates a paradox and so do millions of statements linking the word human with compassion, sympathy or love. The more I look around, the more contradicting this declaration appears. Humanity, if instead associated with envy and rivalry, would bequeath a better elucidation.
Any sphere of life, be it, education, sports or daily routine, a child is time and again reminded that he has to perform better than others and is consistently compared with other kids. This behavior is nurtured into the innocent and subtle mind of a child from the day he enters this fetid nightmare enshrouded with false magnificence. Apparently, this behavior is dubbed competitiveness and is looked upon as a positive feature and any child not possessing it is considered dull, anomalous and dim-witted.
Then, why be astounded with the current atmosphere of treachery, frauds, murders and wars. Were not we ourselves who promoted rivalry in the form of competition and thus, induced envious behavior. Were not we ourselves who cultivated the notion of ‘being at the top’ in those innocent minds. When they grow up to be the Hitlers, Bushs and Zardaris, we take the liberty to dub their behavior as inhuman. Why criticize them and not ourselves, when this system, that we so cherish, is the one that’s breeding such (non)humans.
Competition, being promoted as a positive characteristic, is in reality leading to an evolution of egocentric human beings. I fear, if not curtailed, this would eventually lead to a time when these dictionaries would have to ‘adjust’ the meaning of the word ‘human’.
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