What Does It Mean To Be Human?

Do we even know?

There are certain things in life we just assume we know. We assume that the sun will always rise. The moon will always shine. And that Michael Jordan will always be known as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). Then, something happens that causes us to question that assumption.

I always thought I knew what it meant to be human. Until I was listening to a podcast interview and someone asked this question to the podcast guest and I tried to answer it in my own mind and I froze.

Honestly, I don’t even know what happened in the rest of the podcast or how they answered this question. I only know that my basic assumptions of what it meant to be human was seriously challenged. Does being human mean:

1. My logic and ability to reason - But what about the rise of AI? How about the reality of developmental and cognitive disability? Can humanity be defined by the presence of cognition?

2. My capacity for emotions - But humans aren’t the only creatures that experience emotions. So while it can be part of our humanity what is the totality of the human?

3. Desires and Ambitions - But all of creation in some way is driven by desire and ambition. So what is it about humanity that is special?

Ultimately, what does it mean to actually be human?

Well, I thought I would have some conversations with some friends who are pastors, scholars, theologians, business people, teachers - but ultimately people who are humans; to try to figure out what it means to be human. The first intro episode is now available.

You can watch the series on YouTube

Or you can listen on Podcast

But I’m curious - what does it mean to be human for you? Let me know in the comments!