Befriending Humanity
Simplistic as it may sound, uncomplicated as it should be, the ultimate answer to the solving of the many problems current in the world is for humanity to recognize that we are all members of the same one human family, and through this recognition, seeking to be in fellowship with one another. Failure to recognize this fundamental truth has historically led to the problems that have plagued humanity and which continue to plague us today.
Scientifically, there is only one species of man: Homo sapiens, a species comprised of a rich myriad of external differences, among them: skin color, religious belief, and ethnicity. While these external differences are what beautifies our one human family, sadly, rather than being a cause for unity, people have tragically made these differences reasons to hate and distrust one another.
Manmade barriers like racism, prejudice, fear, and bigotry have kept the people of humanity divided and at odds with one another, manifesting themselves in the problems to be found in the world, problems far too numerous to mention.
While it is important that we recognize with our minds this truth of the oneness of humanity, more importantly, we need to recognize it with our hearts. For such recognition is what will lead to the tearing down of these walls of separation, and to replacing them with bridges of unity, the result of which will be the lessening of the problems existing today, not only here in the United Sates, but the whole world.
If fish of different colors can swim together, and birds of different colors can fly together, why can’t we, with our rich myriad differences, yet boundless similarities, be in fellowship with one another? After all, should we not be wiser and more noble than fish and birds?
This call for the recognition of the oneness of humanity does not equate to turning a blind eye to the many injustices and cruelties in the world today, nor pollyannaishly denying the existence of such. This recognition, though, will lead to these injustices being addressed and being conducive to acts of injustice and cruelty from even occurring.
As people come to recognize the essential oneness of humanity, and thus coming together in fellowship with their neighbors, near and far, the thought of hurting one another, let alone the commitment of such acts, will be abhorrent, and far less common.
At the heart of this recognition is transformation: Transformation on a personal level; transformation on a societal level; and transformation on a global level. It is a reciprocal relationship amongst these three levels, each one influencing the others. Reciprocal in nature as it may be, while an individual can influence others, as well as society and the world at large, the only one one has control over is oneself.
The sooner we come to recognize and appreciate how we are all members of the same one human family, and through this recognition, embracing the diversity that comprises and beautifies humanity, where these numerous social problems will be no more, the sooner this day will come to be. While it may not be in our lifetime, let us start working on it today to make this most glorious day come about.
Respectfully submitted,
Marc Hensen
Public Information Officer
Baha’is of Smithtown