The striving to free oneself from this delusion is the one issue of true religion. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. Scientist Albert Einstein conveyed this sensibility beautifully in his letter of consolation to Robert Marcus on the occasion of the death of Marcus’ son.Ī human being is part of the whole called by us the “Universe,” a part limited in time and space. Despite the temptation to individualism, no one human being can do the work of becoming by themselves. Specifically, that being human is being shaped in relationship with other human beings. The questions also remind me of the value of human relationships. Yet, though I have reached no perfect answer, my ruminations, the act of thinking about inexhaustible questions, more often than not leaves me with a sense of humility about my life and my work. A journey down a philosophical rabbit hole. What does it mean to be a human being? What does it mean to be human with unique identities living on a living Earth? I know it may seem far too esoteric for some. In the all too few quiet moments of my day, I am spending more and more time reflecting on what it means to be human.
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