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Humans Not Creatures |
Humans Not Creatures
I was studying the political autobiography of the former Pakistani President Muhammad Ayyub Khan, titled "Friends Not Masters". This book is a beautiful twofold metaphor for Pakistan-US relations. As I studied the said autobiography, "Friends Not Masters", it inspired me to reflect on a different but similar topic: "Humans Not Creatures".
In our daily lives, we encounter two distinct types of people. The first type is those people whose humanity prevails over their animal instincts. They are kind, compassionate, and selfless. The second type is those who are driven by their basest desires. Their animal instincts transcend their humanity. They are selfish, cruel, and manipulative.
Although today’s title takes its inspiration from President Ayyub’s book, "Friends Not Masters", however, regardless of how he or his readers viewed his title and interpreted it, we will remain focused on our subject matter. I believe it is a reminder that we can choose to be either human or creature-like.
It is a vitally important topic to discuss, especially in today's world where we are constantly bombarded with images and messages that glorify violence, greed, and selfishness. It is more important than ever to remember that we are human beings and that we have a moral obligation to treat each other with compassion and respect.
I hope that this discussion will help us to better understand ourselves and to become better people.
Humans: Creatures or Something More
The history of humanity from the beginning of creation to the present day, and even beyond, is a testament to the duality of human nature and instincts. On one hand, we have achieved great things, such as building civilizations, developing art and literature, and making scientific discoveries. On the other hand, we have also committed terrible atrocities, such as wars, genocide, and slavery.
So, which kind of human are we? Are we creatures of instinct, or are we capable of rising above our animal nature? Ultimately, the answer to this question is up to each individual to decide.
Twofold Interpretations
Today’s title, "Humans Not Creatures", is both strange and intriguing. At first glance, it seems to be a simple statement of fact, but upon further reflection, we realize that it is a complex and nuanced exploration of what it means to be human.
Depending on possible variations in its punctuation, specifically, on where the comma is placed, it can be read and interpreted in two distinct ways: "Humans, Not Creatures" when the comma is placed after "Humans," and "Humans Not, Creatures" when the comma is placed after "Humans Not,".
Both explanatory readings and descriptive interpretations are equally valid and important, literally and semantically, because both kinds of humans or human-like species are found in this world. For some people, the first interpretation applies more precisely, while to others the second one seems a more appropriate and suitable tag to be labeled with.
It reminds us that human nature is complex and multifaceted. We are all capable of great good and great evil, and we all have the potential to rise above our animal instincts or to succumb to them. This reflection offers us two different perspectives on human nature. The first reading emphasizes the essential humanity of all people, regardless of their individual differences. The second reading, on the other hand, suggests that some people are less human than others, based on their behavior, actions, and prevailing animal instinct in their nature.
Two Human Categories
In short, there are two categories of humans in the world.
· The first category is characterized by the prevalence of humanity over basic animal instincts or living characteristics. This type is the true humans, not mere creatures. They exhibit additional traits that make them more noble than other creatures, such as knowledge, wisdom, and so on.
· The second category, on the other hand, is composed of human-like beings in their physical form only – skeleton, structure, manifestation, flesh, and blood. Their nature is dominated by animality. These individuals may be considered more akin to human-like creatures than to true humans.
In the first category, we find those in whom humanity triumphs over basic animal instinct. In other words, those who live with their characteristics as human beings, not simply as creatures. They can rise above their basic desires and live a life of virtue and compassion. They can control their anger, their greed, and their evil temptations. They can forgive others and show kindness even to those who have wronged them. These are the people who make the world a better place.
In the second category, we find those who may be considered humans in form, but not in spirit. They are ruled by their passions. They are quick to anger and violence. They are greedy and materialistic. They are selfish and inconsiderate of others. These are the people who cause most of the suffering in the world.
It is up to each of us to decide which category we want to belong to. Do we want to be true humans, or do we want to be human-like creatures? The choice is ours.
Quranic Precedents
This title and logic of this discourse may surprise many simplistic and unrefined – crude thinkers, but it is entirely consistent with the verses of the Holy Quran, in which Allah Almighty Himself has declared such people to be misguided and astray like cattle, nay, more so. When the Almighty Creator calls some people like cattle, it is no wonder that we divide them into these two categories. My version is thus fully supported by the sound, eternally true, and logical arguments of the Islamic Shariah.
Allah Almighty says:
{لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ لَا يَفْقَهُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ أَعْيُنٌ لَا يُبْصِرُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ آذَانٌ لَا يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا أُولَئِكَ كَالْأَنْعَامِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ أُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْغَافِلُونَ} [الأعراف: 179].
They have hearts wherewith they do not understand, eyes wherewith they do not see, and ears wherewith they do not hear. They are like cattle. Rather, they are much more astray. They are the heedless. [179].
In another verse:
{أَمْ تَحْسَبُ أَنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ يَسْمَعُونَ أَوْ يَعْقِلُونَ إِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا كَالْأَنْعَامِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ سَبِيلًا} [الفرقان: 44].
Or do you think that most of them listen or understand? They are built like cattle. Rather, they are even farther astray from the (right) way. [44]
The Wise Reflection
The eternal conflict between good and evil, at its core, is a complex clash that arises from the inward spiritual confrontation – contrasting human and animal natures within us. When humanity prevails over animalistic tendencies, it creates an environment that is conducive to the flourishing of virtues, such as nobility, goodness, mutual respect, the highest morality, the best relationships, enviable security, peace and stability, justice, and balance, which may become adorned with every virtue. The inhabitants of this beautiful and noble environment exalt in the light and higher ranks of human excellence.
On the contrary, when animalistic tendencies and beast nature dominate over human nature, can give rise to every conceivable evil. The development of animality and bestiality leads to oppression, destruction, deprivation of rights, darkness in the future, the pursuit of personal interests by harming others, selfishness, getting cursed, entitlement to misfortunes, and so on.
Therefore, we must assess ourselves against this crystal-clear criterion to determine which category we fall into. After this examination, everyone can recognize and take responsibility for their position in the eyes of others, whether each of us is seen as a good human being or considered like an animal.
Dr. Tahir Mahmood
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