Humanities keep us human

The most fundamental aspects of being human come from the humanities, things such as culture, religion, artistic expression, and effective communication. In studying humanities, human flourishing is enabled by allowing for a bettering understanding of the nature of ourselves, others, and the world around us. This leads to the fostering of empathy and compassion.
​
The human species maintains traits that seem to be unique from all others. This includes indulging in leisure activities such as literature and art, amongst other humanities. The rise of such things has enabled humanities and their promotion of creativity and imagination. If these things did not exist it seems that an essential part of our human make-up would be missing.  Another unique trait is the human ability to rationalize. The studying of the humanities paves a way for strong, rational thinking, which leads to constructive discourse that is critical in getting along in our world today.
Here are some other examples of how the humanities make a big difference:

• Investigating philosophy may lead to critical thoughts about ethical questions.
• Learning other languages may lead to a gained appreciation for the similarities found between cultures.
• Reading literature from a foreign religion may bleed into thoughts on democracy.
• Participating in a history course may help you better understand the past, while at the same time offering a glimpse into the future.

The humanities shape human thoughts and behaviors, which is crucial in determining our future. To learn more about the humanities, and how the Center for Public Humanities is helping in our community, click here.