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Introduction             

Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane,” draws a distinction between merely existing as a human and embodying the qualities of compassion, empathy, and kindness that define humanity at its best. Being human is a biological fact, whereas being humane is a moral choice, reflecting the higher values and virtues of human society.

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Limitations of “Being Human”

• Inherent Selfishness: Humans are biologically wired for survival, which can lead to selfish behaviour. Historical examples like colonialism, where European powers exploited other nations for their own gain, demonstrate this inherent selfishness.
• Cognitive Biases: Being human involves cognitive biases that can cloud judgement. The confirmation bias, for instance, leads to reinforcing one’s existing beliefs, as seen in the spread of misinformation and propaganda through social media.
• Emotional Reactivity: Humans often react emotionally rather than rationally, leading to impulsive decisions. Eg: Communal riots like Delhi riots 2020 in India are often fueled by emotional reactions rather than reasoned dialogue. 
• Limited Rationality: Humans have limited rationality, affecting decision-making. Eg: global financial crisis of 2008, partly caused by irrational financial behaviours and decisions, highlights this limitation.
• Susceptibility to Corruption: Being human includes a susceptibility to corruption and unethical behaviour. Eg: Infamous 2G spectrum scandal in India, involving government officials and corporate executives, showcases this vulnerability.
• Prejudice and Discrimination: Humans are prone to prejudice and discrimination. Eg: caste system in India, leading to social discrimination and inequality, is a manifestation of this human limitation.
• Aggression and Violence: Humans have a propensity for aggression and violence. Eg: The two World Wars, resulting from nationalistic and territorial aggression, are stark reminders of this aspect of human nature.
• Fear of Change: Humans often fear change, preferring the status quo. Resistance to social reforms, like the initial opposition to the abolition of Sati in India, illustrates this fear of change.
• Short-sightedness: Humans can be short-sighted, focusing on immediate gains rather than long-term consequences. Eg: Environmental degradation due to industrialization, with little regard for long-term ecological impact, is an example of this limitation.
• Ego and Pride: Human nature includes ego and pride, which can hinder personal growth and understanding. Eg: Historical refusal of leaders like Hitler to acknowledge their mistakes, driven by ego and pride, led to catastrophic consequences.

Ways to build a more humane society: 

• Encouraging Ethical Education: Integrate ethics and moral philosophy into the education system. Eg: By incorporating a dedicated ethics curriculum into schools and helping students learn to critically evaluate moral issues, understand different perspectives, and develop their own ethical framework.  
• Cultivating Compassion: Foster compassion in communities by organizing events and workshops that focus on helping others. Eg: Create a national “Compassion Day” where citizens engage in acts of kindness, volunteering, and community service.
• Promoting Inclusivity: Encourage inclusivity in all spheres of society, including workplaces, schools, and communities. Eg: Establish ‘Inclusivity Labs’ in organizations where employees can learn about and practice inclusive behaviours.
• Encourage Sustainable Living: Advocating sustainable and environmentally friendly practices is the need of the hour to build humane society. Eg: Promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar power in residential areas and motivating communities to create their own sustainable projects, like community gardens or recycling initiatives.
• Promoting Social Justice: Advocating for social justice ensures equitable treatment of all individuals. Eg: Lessons can be learned from Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership during the Civil Rights Movement in the USA exemplifying the fight for social justice and equality.
• Supporting Mental Health: Addressing mental health issues with empathy and understanding is vital. Eg: Strengthening bodies like the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in India to ensure citizen’s mental health can contribute to building a humane society.
• Promoting Non-Violent Communication: Encouraging non-violent communication can reduce conflicts and misunderstandings. Eg: Peace talks led by Dalai Lama, advocating for non-violence and dialogue, are a testament to the effectiveness of peaceful communication.
• Implementing Fair Policies: Fair and just policies by governments can create a more equitable society. Eg: Implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations is a right step towards ensuring fairness and human dignity globally.
• Cultivating Humane Leadership: Leaders who demonstrate compassion and understanding can inspire others. Eg: Jacinda Ardern’s empathetic leadership during the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand set a powerful example of compassionate governance.
• Supporting Social Entrepreneurship: Encourage businesses that solve social problems and contribute to society. Eg: The microfinance institution Grameen Bank, founded by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh, provides small loans to impoverished individuals, particularly women, to start their own businesses and lift themselves out of poverty.

Conclusion              

In striving towards a more humane society, we must embrace the virtues of empathy, compassion, and inclusivity, transcending the limitations of being merely human. Thus, the journey towards humanity’s greatness lies in our collective efforts to build a society where humanity is celebrated not just for its existence but for its capacity to nurture, care for, and create a world grounded in kindness and understanding.

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