What could Redeem Humans?

[robvalue]

I think that the rest of life on earth would be generally better off without us.

However, I certainly don't agree that everyone is terrible. There are many wonderful people who display amazing non-selfish qualities.

I think that, on the whole, people do have a natural tendency to help each other as long as they've been brought up in a vaguely healthy manner. How much they are prepared to help, and how much they may stray given the opportunity will vary of course. People seem to have a tendency to "follow the leader" so if they're brought up in a horrific society where bullshit is the norm, that's generally going to create people who think at least some of that bullshit is "okay".

But society simply wouldn't work if everyone was constantly fucking everyone else over. There is enough wellbeing between us to live peacefully, and that's quite an achievement.

So I say lead by example. Be a good person, support good causes and speak out against harm. Spend your money wisely, because each purchase is a form of support.

Humans can be horrific, and individuals can be unbelievably evil. Many people can be capable of being total dicks, in certain situations. But to focus entirely on that is to miss the good. Consider this: if you ask a random person on the street for directions, how often will they give them to you if they can? I've found it to be almost 100%. There's nothing in it for them. They are put "on the spot" by a stranger, and their natural reaction is to help. Although it doesn't cost anything either, I still think this is important to remember.