No, humanity is not dead

Yes, it is wavering and under attack from all sides. Some would even like to see it disappear, as if one could strip away the fundamental elements of what defines us.

Disturbing results
The latest results of the Humanity Index clearly show the negative impact of recent events on our perception of humanity. With the index dropping from 64.9 to 59.3 in less than a year, we must ask ourselves whether this decline will continue or if we’ve already hit rock bottom. But in these more difficult times, when our core values are under threat, it’s crucial to rise up and take action.

A mindset to reconsider
I am, however, outraged to see so many humans giving up—accepting this gradual erosion of our humanity without even lifting a finger. Sitting in their living rooms in front of the TV, on their computers, or glued to their phones, too many people constantly complain but do nothing concrete to change things.

In the age of predators (Giuliano Da Empoli), we act like prey—frozen in the face of attack, ready to be devoured, without even trying to defend ourselves. The fight is too easy. Trapped in a despairing individualism that binds us hand and foot to our increasingly uncomfortable little world, we watch in fear what unfolds before our eyes—shocked, powerless. As if we had no control over events, and especially, over what comes next.

Our individualism is so extreme that it erases all instinct for self-defense—reflexes that should instantly arise when what we hold most dear is under threat. The instinct to fight, to get involved, to commit, to support one another, to get off the couch and contribute. Criticizing, being outraged, complaining, lamenting, and feeling sorry for ourselves brings absolutely nothing—except perhaps easing our conscience and reinforcing our selfishness and individualism. It gets us nowhere.

Lift your head
Let’s forget the clowns and their bad acts for a moment. Humanity is not a show to be watched—it is a reality that concerns each and every one of us. A reality that is expressed every day through the kindness of our gestures, our actions, our behavior.

The strength of our humanity is only as great as the strength of the people who embody it. The same goes for our communities. The more we are engaged, involved, generous, respectful, grateful, united, determined, attentive, open, and tolerant, the better our humanity will fare—and the more our communities will thrive. It’s that simple.

We too often forget that the health of the WE directly impacts the health of the ME.
Let’s get moving. Let’s be extraordinary. Let’s respond to the madness of a few with the humanity of us all.