Human?

In Frank Herbert’s novel “Dune”, there is a scene where a Bene-gessirit witch tests the young Paul (heir to the Duke)
. She has him place his hand in a box, then surprises him by holding a poisoned needle to his neck. She tells him if he removes his hand from the box, she will kill him. He starts to feel excruciating pain in his hand, as if it is being burned up (the box is a pain inducer). Despite the fact it feels as if the flesh is being burned from the bone, he recites the mantras his mother has taught him, and does not remove his hand. When he has endured more pain than any other bene-gesserit ever has, the witch stops the test. He pulls his hand out to find it whole and uninjured. When he asks her what the test was about, she tells him how when an animal is caught in a trap, it will gnaw a leg off to escape the trap. But a human would wait, to kill the trapper. For the better of the race. The young duke indignantly asks “are you suggesting I might be an animal? To which she replies “no, I am suggesting that you MIGHT be a human”.

As humans, we behave and respond to others in a certain way. I’ve met plenty of people that I’ve had my doubts about their “humanness”.  People who are unable to perform even the simplest act of kindness. The kind of people who will step over or walk around someone laying injured on the ground. You’ve read the stories. Perhaps even know people like that. You might even BE one of these. Though by nature, you would not recognize this in yourself. Humans live by social codes and moors that may seem small, on the surface, but are part of a much larger picture. One in which we can trust and respect each other. Holding the door or elevator for someone else. Performing family chores. Making sure your environment is not filthy. My family knows that any of them can come to me, even on my crappiest day, and ask for a favor or help with something, and I won’t blow them off. When someone asks you to do something. Your parent, child, coworker. And you say “sure”, then never do it, that causes a break in trust. They can’t trust you to be part of the larger social unit. If this happens repeatedly, then it leads to ill feelings, lack of trust, and discourages everyone else from helping you, when you need it. Multiply this across a generation, and you start to see societal breakdown. Instead of being part of a larger social unit, that can respond to events and disasters, everyone starts becoming alone. “it takes a village” was an idiotic phrase from the 90’s. but it DOES take a family, and even community to respond to many events, situations, and disasters. Everything from having the dishes done, so supper can be made on time and drama free. To helping a family member deal with financial stress, to a community helping neighbors deal with a fire or tornado damage. These all require a kind of unity, that comes from mutual respect and trust. We help each other. Not because we expect something in return. But because it’s the “right” thing to do. The “human” thing to do. I despise the phrase “it’s not my job”. if something needs doing, DO IT! Pick up that piece of trash. Turn that bucket back upright. Check on that dog shut up in the car, in the sun. if someone looks confused or hurt, give them a moment of your time. Be humane. Be a participating member of the Human race.