human objects

Humans are not objects. They are not tools. They are not an asset.

I have had some interactions lately that have caused me to feel the need to share this thought.

Let me repeat myself, because this is important. Humans are not objects to be used as tools.

In many societies throughout history and still today, many humans misrepresent themselves or others within human society.

Recently, for example, I experienced a conversation with a friend that was lusting after another. My friend stated this desire without hesitation or embarrassment. And, I started asking questions. What is this person's name. What are this person's goals? Does this person that is desired already have a significant love? My friend was unable to answer any of these questions. My friend was not even interested in the answers. My friend simply wanted a single physical interaction with this other person. My friend only saw this person as on object to be had and not a fellow human with passions, interests, and goals. I was shocked and made it clear that desiring a person in this way was wrong and could be hurtful to many people. Our actions always have consequences, good or bad, regardless of intentions.

In his book, The Good and Beautiful Life, author James Bryan Smith explains the ancient Greek word epithumia. Epithumia means to intentionally objectify another person for one's own gratification. And, I don't think this meaning is limited to sexual desires.

Sales personnel often see consumers as nothing more than the next possible sale. Rather than providing an item that will truly meet the needs of the consumer through questions and relationship building, the sales personnel offer the items that will gain them highest commissions. This is just one of many examples of epithumia in today's society.

It truly troubles me to think that so many of us do not think of one another as much more valuable than our next sale, next physical encounter, or next need fulfilled. If we as humans are unable to see the value in each other, how will we stop the wars, the violence, the hatred in our world. We will not.

Going forward, if you agree with these thoughts, please help me to spread the idea of a more valued human society. Please, try to be an example to others. I do this by trying to treat each person I meet as a new opportunity for friendship. I do not like all the people that I meet. But, I do respect their ideas and choices. For it is only them that can make their choices and compile their ideas. And, I ask and expect the same for myself.

You will notice that I have not called out any specific area of the globe in discussing this trend toward the devaluation of humans. This was intentional. This problem is global and touches every society. Many times it occurs without any one being aware. That is why it is so crucial for each of us to share and grow the idea that each of us as humans - man, woman, young, old, everyone - have intrinsic and impervious value.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. I hope to hear some of yours - even if you don't agree.

Have a great day!