I am ...

What does it mean to be human?  At first it seems easy enough to define “human” as being part of the homosapien species.  For me it is not enough though.  In fact, I feel there is more to being “human”.

In his book, Malignant Self Love, Dr. Sam Vaknin asks the question, “Are we human because of unique traits and attributes not shared with either animal or machine?”  He then answers himself by stating it is a definition by negation - that which separates humans from animal and machine is our "human-ness".

According to John Sistare, there are five principles which make us “human” and separate us from animal and machine.  They are:

1.      Dignity.

2.      Integrity.

3.      Human Totality.

4.      Stewardship & Creativity.

5.      Conscience.

     

There are certain “needs” which must also be met to make us fully human.  These “needs” are:

1.      Biological Need, which is the nine body systems we have to care for.

2.      Psychological Need is the 11 feelings and nine senses us, as humans, have.

3.      Spiritual Need is the need of intellect and free will as oppose to mere instinct.

4.      Social Need, which is the need to build relationships and communicate with our fellow man.

5.      Transcendental Need is the need for belief.

Therefore, I am a daughter, a grand daughter, a sister, a friend, a cousin, a niece, a student, an employee, a colleague, an athlete, a young woman.  I am young, friendly, healthy, blessed, intelligent, selfless, helpful, hopeful, and full of dreams and ideals.  I am scared, confused, stressed, selfish, ungrateful and hesitant.

Ultimately I am human.