Where is our Humanity?

What is happening to us and our world? It seems that we are ‘devolving’ as humans to our original primitive form, where might is right and the big/strong dominate the small/weak. If you have the power (a.k.a. MONEY) and the right connections, everything is possible. No one cares any longer for the 95%+ of the rest of humanity trying to stay afloat – lost in the smoke and noise around them; and just surviving.

We have barely recovered from one of the worst pandemics, which wiped out 2+ years of our lives and more than 7 million of our fellow human lives. We seem to have accepted this new normal. And we are on the brink of WW-3, with crazy autocrats lying to their people, and the world – and starting trigger-happy wars, without any rationale. Hundreds of thousands of our innocent fellow human beings have been murdered in the sanctity of their homes with barrages of airborne missiles and bombs – in Europe and the Middle East. Those who are culpable for this carnage – just explain it as unfortunate collateral damage, OR, worst still – we will investigate and get back. The world just watches, helplessly frozen into inaction, and continues to power this despicable war machinery with more funds and ammunition. These worldwide proxy wars by the superpowers MUST end before humanity is wiped out. Most of us have grown up in relatively peaceful times – and have never lived under war-time conditions. What kind of a world will our children inherit? Leaving behind a wealthy estate inheritance, will just not be sufficient.

We are the only species – on our beautiful blue planet – which kills its own species. There are a few exceptions (like male lions) that kill other male lions for territorial dominance. The most intelligent and evolved human species seem to have no qualms, about taking another human life. What does this say about us?

It is time to get off my soapbox, now. I do feel helpless like most of us, about the state of things. The rest of this listing is going down memory lane – recounting some related thoughts.

I remember in late 1999, a very memorable Hindi (Indian) movie – 1947 Earth – was released, capturing the difficult times in India/Pakistan, as millions transitioned from an occupation as a British Colony to 2 separate independent countries. The URL link above captures a brief summary of the movie and the horrendous transition period, with unspeakable violence/killing.

There was a song, during the ending scenes, which has stayed with me forever. This poignant song is beseeching our Creator to provide some answers to his creation. Below is the first verse, with translation. The 1^st column is the Hindi-English transliteration, while the 2^nd column is the English translation.

Hindi-English Transliteration	Hindi-English Translation
Ishwar Allah Tere Jahan Mein	Oh God, in this world you have created
Nafrat Kyoon Hai, Jung Hai Kyoon	Why is there so much hatred and war?
Tera Dil To, Itna Bada Hai	You are all forgiving, with such a big heart
Insaan Ka Dil Tang Hai Kyoon	Why does mankind have such a small heart?

This pretty much summarizes and captures how mankind continues to devolve while making giant strides and progress in technology and medicine. We have all the material comforts, and live longer lives – but are losing our humanity at the same time..

I am forever an optimist and do believe that the pendulum will eventually swing the other way. The kinder side of mankind will prevail in the end and override our worst selfish tendencies.