They say it is shameful that we live in an age of inhumanity. It is so wonderful that one never loses his delicate emotions and elegant mind that God gifted him with. We have to appreciate people whom we live with. Losing our humanity would turn this world to a lawless jungle.
Aspects of humanity
Respect
Respecting others is a humane principle and it is deeply-rooted in us. When you listen carefully to others’ opinions and without underestimating them is a sort of respect. If human respect is lost, successful communication would fail. Respect makes people memorable in the hearts of all those they encounter. You have to respect others no matter what their beliefs, race or sex are. We are all humans and should respect each other for this reason. They say it is not important that people disagree on your opinions; however it is critical that they don’t disagree on respecting you. The same applies to you, you may disagree with others, however you may not stop respecting them.
Consideration
Many times the words of H.H Pope Shenouda iii cross my mind “If you can’t share people’s sorrow and bear it with them, don’t be at least a reason to theirs”. How noble people who share others’ sorrow and pain are and how considerate are those who don’t make others sad. I was close to H.H Pope Shenouda iii and how he was so considerate lest he embarrass or hurt anybody’s feelings. I recall his quoting of Naguib Mahfouz when he said that he is not good at exchanging insults as he is not good at swimming in the mud. Thus a humane person will never hurt anyone as he would respect his feelings and haste to comfort those in pain and bring joy to the miserable.
Encouraging the Weary
A humane person would know that each one of us has his times of weakness in which he needs support and encouragement, thus he supports others and feels happy for doing this great role. Powerful is a person who supports other when they stumble and how weak a person who tries to let others fall in order to win.
A humane person would remember people whom they have no one to remember: the old, those who lost their families or need advice. A truly humane person would love and support all people. True humanity is the power of societies.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
