Meaning of Being Human

Who Is a Human??

The question "Who is a human?" is profound and has been contemplated by philosophers, psychologists, and thinkers for centuries. It delves into the essence of what makes us truly human, beyond just our physical form or biological characteristics.?

The Bengali word for human is ‘Manush’ which can be broken down into ‘Man’ and ‘Hush”. In Bengali ‘Man’ means respect and ‘Hush’ means awareness. These qualities not only define our humanity but also shape how we interact with ourselves and others in the world.

‘Man’ or Respect

"Maan," or respect, is a cornerstone of human existence. It encompasses the respect we hold for ourselves and extend to others. This respect is not merely about external behaviour or social niceties; it is a deep-seated recognition of the intrinsic worth of every individual.

Carl Rogers, a prominent psychologist, offered a profound insight into this concept. He introduced the idea of "unconditional positive regard," which is closely aligned with the notion of respect. According to Rogers, unconditional positive regard means accepting and respecting oneself and others without any conditions or judgments. It is about embracing people for who they truly are, acknowledging their inherent value, and treating them with the respect they deserve.

Respect, in this sense, is a universal human value that transcends cultural and social boundaries. It is the foundation upon which healthy relationships are built—whether between individuals, communities, or entire societies. When we honour the dignity of others, we create an environment of mutual respect, trust, and understanding, which is essential for social harmony and personal well-being.

‘Hush’ or Awareness

The second crucial quality is "hush," or awareness. Awareness is the conscious understanding of oneself—knowing who we truly are, our thoughts, emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. This self-awareness is not just about introspection but also about living in alignment with our true selves.

Carl Rogers described this alignment as "congruence," a state where the real self and the self-concept become one. Congruence occurs when there is no discrepancy between our internal experiences and how we perceive ourselves. It is a state of authenticity, where we are fully in touch with our feelings, desires, and values, and express them openly and honestly.

Achieving congruence is not always easy; it requires deep self-reflection and the courage to face uncomfortable truths about ourselves. However, when we achieve this state of congruence, we experience a profound sense of inner peace and stability. We become more resilient, better equipped to handle life's challenges, and more capable of forming genuine connections with others.

The Bengali Aspiration: "I Want to Become a True Human Being"

In Bengali culture, bringing up children is called ‘manush kora’ or ‘making of human beings’. There is also a common saying: "I want to become a true human being." This phrase carries a deep meaning and reflects a universal aspiration. To become a true human being is to embody both respect or unconditional positive regard and awareness fully. It is to live in a way that honours the inherent worth of oneself and others, while also striving for self-knowledge and authenticity.

This aspiration aligns closely with Carl Rogers' concept of a "fully functional human being." A fully functional human being is someone who is self-aware, authentic, and lives in harmony with their true self. They respect themselves and others unconditionally, and they approach life with a sense of responsibility and purpose.

Conclusion

The question "Who is a human?" invites us to reflect on the qualities that define our humanity. Dignity or respect and awareness are two such qualities that are essential for living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Dignity teaches us to respect ourselves and others, fostering a sense of mutual understanding and harmony. Awareness guides us towards self-knowledge, helping us to live authentically and congruently.

In aspiring to become true human beings, we are not merely seeking to fulfil societal expectations or achieve external success. We are striving to cultivate these fundamental qualities within ourselves, so that we can live in alignment with our true selves and contribute positively to the world around us. In this way, we fulfil the highest potential of what it means to be human.

Let us have the courage to live our lives with ‘Maan’ and ‘Hush’ - Dignity and Awareness…