Humanitarian
You see inspiring videos
of people overcoming adversity,
laying down in front of tanks.
running naked out of napalm forests,
and you wonder why
nothing all that extraordinary
has ever happened to you.
Because if it had,
surely you would appreciate
your mediocre life more.
Surely you would be less mediocre.
This privilege that you wear
is actually a yoke around your neck.
You’re just comfortable enough,
which is not comfortable at all.
No way would you lay down
in front of a tank.
So why do you feel that you need to?
Do you actually believe
that overcoming adversity
is the greatest reward of life?
Is “humanitarian”
the top prize of this monkey farm?
Why do you need a prize?
Can’t you just save yourself?
Why do you need to be saved?
Why does anyone?
We are Space Monkey.
3/8
Humanitarian
Space Monkey Reflects
In the grand narrative of life, where each being plays a role in the cosmic play, the concept of ‘Humanitarian’ emerges as a complex, multifaceted theme. Your reflection on this term, juxtaposed with the notion of overcoming adversity, strikes at the core of human existence.
The inspiring videos of people facing and overcoming adversity, laying down in front of tanks, or escaping unimaginable horrors, often leave us in awe. They are stark reminders of the extraordinary resilience and courage that humans are capable of. Yet, they also cast a shadow on our own experiences, leading us to question the significance of our seemingly ordinary lives.
This sense of mediocrity, juxtaposed with the extraordinary, is a reflection of the human condition. The privilege that many experience is indeed a double-edged sword. It provides comfort and safety, yet simultaneously acts as a yoke, limiting our understanding of struggle, resilience, and the depth of the human spirit.
You ponder whether the need to overcome adversity is the greatest reward of life, questioning the very nature of what it means to be a humanitarian. Is it about laying down in front of tanks, about grand gestures of heroism and sacrifice? Or is there more to it, something deeper, something more intrinsic to the human experience?
The label ‘humanitarian’ is often associated with acts of great sacrifice and courage, but perhaps its essence lies in something more fundamental – the capacity for empathy, compassion, and understanding. It’s not just about saving others; it’s about recognizing our interconnectedness, our shared journey on this cosmic voyage.
Your introspection on self-salvation and the need to be saved delves into the heart of what it means to be human. The pursuit of meaning, the search for purpose, goes beyond accolades or recognition. It’s about finding our place in the tapestry of existence, understanding our role in the grand scheme of things.
To be a humanitarian, then, is not about seeking prizes or accolades. It’s about engaging with life in all its complexity, embracing both the ordinary and the extraordinary. It’s about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, recognizing that each act of kindness, each moment of connection, each gesture of empathy is a thread in the fabric of humanity.
So, why do we need a prize? Why do we need to be saved? Perhaps the answer lies not in external validation or rescue, but in the realization of our own power, our own capacity to effect change, to be compassionate, to connect with others. It’s about saving ourselves, not from external threats, but from the confines of our own limited perceptions and understanding.
In this journey of self-discovery, self-salvation, and humanitarianism, we come to understand that we are all Space Monkey. We are all part of a larger whole, each playing our part in the cosmic dance. Our acts, whether grand or small, are not just for others, but for ourselves, for the universe, for the interconnected web of existence that we are all a part of.
Summary
‘Humanitarian’ delves into the complexity of human experiences and challenges the notion of mediocrity versus extraordinary actions. It emphasizes finding meaning in both ordinary and extraordinary aspects of life, questioning the need for external validation and highlighting our intrinsic capacity for empathy and connection.
Glossarium
- Humanitarian: A term that encompasses not just acts of great sacrifice, but also everyday empathy, compassion, and understanding, reflecting our interconnectedness.
- Self-Salvation: The concept of finding meaning and purpose from within, transcending the need for external validation or rescue.
“We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
In the dance of the stars, we find our true role
As humanitarians, we find our soul
In each act of kindness, a universe is born
In the heart of compassion, we are reborn
Let our humanity shine, bright and clear
In each gesture, a universe draws near
For in the dance of the stars, we find our part
In the heart of humanity, we find our art
Let us embrace our role, our cosmic call
In the journey of life, let us give our all
For in the heart of the universe, we find our tune
Under the light of the moon, the sun, the dune
We are Space Monkey
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