One would like to believe that (under ideal circumstances) man is essentially a gentle person at heart. Philosophy portrays this to be the wisdom of man. The participative nature of society should bring out the innate goodness in man – which is known as humanity. Our hubris is a barrier to sharing – and once this hard baked cocoon is broken, a different person emerges from within. One who is more caring and kind to his fellows.

Often, we make a show of kindness to our fellow human beings when it suits our disposition. We must give and share compassion (even at some discomfort to ourselves) when it is most required of us. Charity must not stop at the one-rupee mark. This must not become a barrier to our kind intent, or else it will make a mockery of our pretensions. Charity must not only be a means to assuage our conscience – at a low cost to the wallet!

It is very easy to see the inhumanity in others’ deeds and actions, while ignoring one’s own faults. But this should not be used as an excuse for condoning the wrongs committed by others. This is especially true as such wrongdoing affects many people through a complex web of interactions. Our seemingly innocuous actions (and practices) born in the past lay the foundation for building upon the future. One hopes that man has the moral strength left in him to break out of the cycle of violence, and take to the path of peace and development. Though man is not beyond seeking divine help in his endeavors, is he competent enough to take to this path?

The importance of decency can never be over stressed. A thousand times we are reminded of the importance of common courtesies; and we are expected to respect the mores and customs of other people as well. Sometimes, we even fail to treat our near and dear ones as worthy of compassion. Instead, we look upon them as walking, talking robots – even though they are more than human in many ways. As children, they have molded us, and as spouses they have nurtured us.

A sense of humor is regarded as an essential component of our humanity; such is the nature of our fate. However, humor should not be considered to be synonymous to the imposition of one set of values over another (adult values over children) – or to the perpetuation of social, cultural and sexual stereotypes. These are to be avoided in the use of humor, for humor should not be at the other person’s cost.

Some exemplars of humanity are Socrates, Einstein and Gandhi. The fact that he accepted the rule of that very law he sought to change showed Socrates’ sincere dedication to the cause of the people. The struggle is glorious, and though justice may be denied the man, the verdict of history remains favorable. The end is dignified, for it transcends tragedy. The true nature of man did not elude him – or by extension, his work. Einstein forced the people of the earth to face the facts about creation, and the insignificance of man in the cosmos. He believed that the extinction of the human race would be a tragic waste, more so if it were self-inflicted (by means of a nuclear holocaust).

Gandhi was an ordinary person with extraordinary courage. No matter how great the adversity, he did not doubt himself (or his abilities) in the face of wrong. He fulfilled the role of institutionalized good, and due to the non-partisan nature of his association with faith, his role was unlimited. Perhaps, more important than his contribution to India’s independence was his contribution to the world stage. He brought civil disobedience to the world, a world that had formerly settled its quarrels by resort to the force of arms. A man ahead of his times (though he took an optimistic view of life, to some extent this was not borne out by facts), his views on the desirability of ahimsa or non-violence in the conduct of public affairs made him world famous.