The Squandering of Human Potential

When looking at the creature that is homo sapien, what is it that you see? Do you see a highly advanced race of superior beings that are meant to rule over the planet? I do not share that vision I am afraid. For I see a very young creature that has not lived on this planet very long, but has already managed to effectively stain and damage much of their environment as well as endanger not only the other animals, but also potentially destroy the entire world. And yet sometimes I think that is what we all want. Everywhere you turn you can see the human animal seemingly try to make its time here on Earth shorter. Reckless actions and poor decisions combined with an aversion to think independent from one another seems to hasten their departure from existence.

What then, is the cause of this? Is it a natural instinct or is it something that has developed over time? When looking at people it seems that we have the advantage of an incredibly complex brain with superior power. Our brain has propelled us into the stratosphere of achievement, it has allowed us travel into space and the unlocking of the human genome. There of course are minds that shine like the nacre glistening in the bright sun, but when you look at the majority of the modern human race, what do you see? The brilliant minds are the exception not the rule. Most people simply do not care how the fancy new cell phone they just bought works, as long as it does. What has happened to our innate natural curiosity that propelled us beyond our ancestors? More people seem to care about what's happening on their favorite reality television show than bettering themselves.Humanity is in danger of destroying themselves and we don't seem to care.

When looking at religion, what is the one "virtue" that is almost universally valued? The ability to not think for yourself and doing what others tell you to do. They say if you don't believe in the deity up in the sky you will roast in an abyss of fire for all eternity. Religion has a way of softening people to the realities of the world. There is no being up there that cares about us and guides our lives. Our reality is what we make it to be, just consequences of our actions.If we spent more time enjoying this life and work on bettering ourselves and our situations now instead of worrying about a "next life", we would have a much more balanced society.

In conclusion, we as human beings need to strive for constant self-improvement and understanding of this world and the people in it. If we apply ourselves we can reach ever higher goals and achievements. Are human beings incredibly arrogant and solipsistic? The answer is yes, but as time progresses we can get closer to understanding the bewildering creature that is the human being.