What Makes Us Human

25 Day Big Talk Challenge inspired by @introvertdoodles

Flaws, inconsistency, empathy. Without these, we are all just mannequins.

1. Flaws

All of us have a unique combination of flaws. But we grow up in a society which tells us to be perfect in every possible way and has minimal tolerance of imperfection. Yes, be self-aware of our flaws. Be a good person. Improve ourselves every day. But we don’t need to be perfect, and we will never be perfect.

2. Inconsistency

Jane Austen wrote: ‘…every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.’ There’s truth in it. Even the kindest person on this earth have dark thoughts and do not behave perfectly 24/7. Inconsistency has an element of surprise, which keeps things interesting. We humans are complex creatures, and we keep evolving. So, inconsistency is almost guaranteed.

The degree of inconsistency is what matters. Are you so inconsistent that others around you don’t know how to act? Or you don’t even know how you’re gonna act? Too much inconsistency is an issue that’s worth looking into.

3. Empathy

Shared perspective and shared emotions are core to empathy. Empathy is not sympathy. Empathy is about seeing the person for who they are, and the person feeling seen. Empathy is why we help strangers run away from teargas and bullets on a Sunday even when we might be persecuted by the authoritarian state. Empathy is cultivated, not learned.

Original post by @introvertdoodles: https://www.facebook.com/introvertdoodles/photos/a.1791051157833962/2669918956613840/