The Paradox Of Self And Others

Speaking strictly in terms of black and white, with all shades of grey temporarily cast aside, I think it is safe to assume that one can not love specific human beings, without loathing humanity…and likewise, can not love humanity, without loathing specific human beings. Humanity is essentially synonymous with universal human potential, and depending on one’s perception of what that is determines which side of the paradox they will lean toward. If one has high hopes or aspirations for mankind it’s only natural for specific people to diminish that image–while if one has very low standards for humanity as a whole, specific people are granted the chance to exceed their expectations.

I think the more common perception is the one that suggests human beings are nothing better than slightly advanced apes, capable only of cruelty and barbarism; such person’s discussions on people in general tend to carry a negative tone smugly between peers, who for some reason feel quite exempt from the humanity they describe. The other type takes no pleasure in smugness or blind condescension…instead finding themselves only roused with contempt by the specific and flawed presences of those he may encounter. For while one may presume broad ugliness from polls and surveys and other forms of cultural summation, the other need only look as far as his best friend for ugliness, while presuming beauty abroad.

I think the motive for one’s opinion of humanity is quite simple, and borderline self explanatory…though I’d hazard to guess that most people haven’t the slightest clue as to where it comes from. I believe it to be a very simple and direct mirror. One’s perceptions of humanity are strictly bound to ones perception of his or her self. If one finds themselves hideous, then they will find humanity as a whole hideous, and visa versa.