Human nature is a wonderful thing when it is directed towards the good. As the philosopher Kant exemplifies in his writings, man is never to lower himself so as to use another human being as an object or means to an end. Humans should never use other human beings—unborn, born, straight, gay, conservative, liberal, young, or old—as they might use an object.
By nature of their reason, humans are endowed with more responsibility than animals or other living things. It is their task to see that they use their gift of reason to do good and manifest their human nature by treating others according to the absolute truths of intrinsic knowledge and human conscience common to all mankind.
God made humans “in His image and likeness.” It is an innate inclination for mankind to strive toward the pursuit of that which is true and aim to do that which is morally good and praiseworthy. As much as society would like to divert man from fulfilling his purpose, this desire does not change the fact that man was made to reflect his Creator.
In this issue, several writers passionately convey specific ways the dignity of human beings can be overlooked and ignored. These articles raise questions such as: Is it morally ethical or rational to live according to one’s bodily inclinations? What role do parents play in the lives of their children? How should one pursue finding the truth?
If mankind is meant to find the truth and live according to it, then he cannot overlook the dignity of himself and others. Emotions alone—however strong—are not sufficient in justifying one’s actions. Man’s actions—unlike those of animals—are freely and rationally chosen. Therefore, reason, not emotion must justify all choices. However “natural” the sexual appetite is, it can never justify rape, and however “natural” the desire for power might seem, tyranny is always an abomination.
If truth were relative, then there would be no reason to learn anything, argue over anything, think about anything, care about what anyone felt, or seriously consider anything besides one’s own thoughts and feelings. Truth is not relative and there is reason to look for it by observing the way others seek it and how they present it (see Rachel Bauder’s article on how modern man can expand his own world view by exposure to diverse sources—including ancient Greek literature and philosophy).
Having a mind that is open to the truth alone is good, for it directs man towards his ultimate purpose; whereas possessing a mind that is open to accept anything leaves man empty and hopelessly lost.
The first step to finding the truth is to open one’s mind to the thoughts of others, for all humans seek the same thing, though some with more determination and love than others. Respecting the dignity of all humans is pertinent to understanding truth; one must acknowledge that men are not perfect, and learn from their mistakes, rather than condone them. An open mind is good when it takes in the truth and does not ignore but recognizes that which is false.
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