Introduction
Humanity is a fascinating tapestry of diverse cultural practices, each reflecting unique beliefs, values, and traditions. One such cultural practice that has profoundly influenced my personal development and continues to resonate with me is the belief in the power of goodness and its role in self-actualization. This reflection explores how embracing goodness can transform individuals into healthier, more complete human beings, addressing the query of whether it makes one more human.
Exploring the Cultural Practice: The Power of Goodness
At the heart of this cultural practice lies the profound belief that goodness serves as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. Embracing goodness, especially through practices like religious charity and moral virtue, is seen as a means to evolve into a more perfect human being. At the age of 18, I chose to transform my life through goodness rather than resorting to suicide, marking a pivotal moment in my journey towards self-actualization.
The Enrichment of Goodness
Goodness is multifaceted, encompassing qualities such as transcendent love and virtue. Transcendent love, a gift of forgiveness and hope for the virtuous betterment of both oneself and others, is unconditional and fosters a sense of confidence and understanding without the encumbrance of anger or defensiveness. Virtue, on the other hand, comprises a myriad of admirable traits, including truthfulness, wisdom, fearlessness, trustworthiness, and humility. These qualities help individuals navigate life's complexities, understand moral imperatives, and achieve inner fulfillment through acts of sacrifice and contribution.
Moral Imperatives and Human Nature
Many people question how something can make a person more human. In this perspective, morality is not a fluid concept that changes over time; it is a consistent set of principles that guide behavior across generations. Morality is built into human nature, allowing us to distinguish right from wrong without constant rationalization. For example, the ancient practice of not stealing is as relevant today as it was a thousand years ago. Helping others out of a sense of compassion and justice is a behavior that has been recognized and valued across cultures and time periods.
Understanding Moral Intuitions
The innate understanding of right and wrong is deeply rooted in our psychological and moral intuition. When we see someone stealing, we instinctively understand that it is wrong because we would not want someone to take what is ours without permission. This intuition is evident even in young children when they see a friend in need; natural empathy and compassionate response are immediate and unconditionally present. These moral intuitions are built into our human nature, making us part of the human race defined by these shared values and understandings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while cultural practices can indeed play a significant role in shaping personal and collective humanity, the core aspects of these practices, such as goodness and moral virtues, are deeply ingrained in our nature. Embracing these values helps individuals to function as whole human beings, making them more compassionate, wise, and contributing members of society. Whether it is the moral imperative of not taking what belongs to others or the act of helping those in need, these practices are not about making one more human but about understanding and upholding the core essence of human values that have sustained us through millennia.