Humanity Poem by Jim Yerman

If you want others to be happy- practice compassion
If YOU want to be happy- practice compassion.
The Dalai Lama


What is it that makes us human?
I imagine most people would agree…
an essential human attribute…
is our humanity.

Compassion, generosity, benevolence…
acting honorably…
kindness, a tender heart…and love…
these are the definitions of humanity.

It is precisely our kindness and generosity
that allows humanity to thrive…
Without them…without love…without compassion…
humanity cannot survive.

Until we embody this definition
humans we will not be.
For humans cannot be humans...
without humanity.