Humanity

The word has several meanings. It can mean simply the human race. It can also mean (human) compassion and benevolence. It can also generally describe the study of the human race. I am fondest of the compassion and benevolence synonyms, and I suppose most people would agree. Yet, I think the vast majority of humans live a humanity that is automatic and group-driven. I look at my own country, and this affirms that notion. American social-speak is filled with charity and compassion, but American behavior is cruel, greedy and pusillanimous. This nation, the seat of enormous wealth, does not provide health care for its citizens. What could be more basic than that? In the last thirty years, America has thrown scores of thousands of insane people onto the streets in the name of scientific medical progress. America has forced hundreds of thousands of welfare recipients into jobs which do not sustain a decent standard of living in the name of social science. America shakes its head as the children of these families shoot each other on its streets. And the number of millionaires in America is rising and rising. They are buying themselves 3000 or more luxury square feet in developments which are scarring the natural landscape, far from the cities they exploit for their wealth and entertainment. In my practice, I hope to maintain my own humanity, despite the social norms that prevail.