…although shouldn’t we already know? Why should it be necessary to ponder the question and condition of our humanity. Presumably most of us reading this are, in fact, human: do we really need someone to talk about what it means? Don’t we, per previous, already know? Isn’t living a life, de facto, any one person’s answer to what it means to be human?

And yet, when I look around and consider the world, there are countless instances and examples of situations where humanity seems arguably absent, or at least diminished. Understanding what it means to be human isn’t, of course, simply considering only the best of who we are; it must also encompass our worst tendencies and behaviors. War is human; aggression is human… all that. Well, who am I, or who are you, to think about this question? Some of the greatest minds have already done so; how often does the (hopefully not dead yet) horse need to be beaten? Half of what anybody has ever thought about—some of our best, most famous minds—is a consideration of what it means to be human. The sciences on one hand, the humanities on the other, right? But of course, it is important to think about what it means to be human. It could be that in today’s broad world, our species’ very survival turns on how we understand the question of what it means to be human. One could perhaps understand that the question or consideration isn’t so much about ‘being human’ but is instead a question of how to be a ‘better human’ rather than a base one—a human who is more humane.

There are a number of deep themes woven into The Play for Pangaia, all of which revolve around this most fundamental theme: what it means to be human. The blog will explore this question in numerous ways—an ordinary person (not a brilliant mind) trying to understand his place and purpose in the world.

• One thing to do: “Act with kindness and intention.” Words of wisdom from the Dali Lama, and others.
• One thing to know: “Understand yourself and others.” Celebrate both our differences and similarities! There is dynamic beauty and potential in a healthy ecosystem, which is absent in any type of monoculture.
• One way to be: “Be authentic and open to change.” Remain true to yourself—you are already a gift, just the way you are. At the same time, be open to change, embrace the dynamic nature of life, and recognize our limitless potential for growth and transformation.

Love and Light!