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The human condition is a term used in literature to describe the joys and terrors of being human, and generally refers to biologically determined events which are common to most human lives, and to our reactions to these events, and how we cope with them.
Events
These events include:
Awareness
Unlike what is believed of other animals, humans can have some degree of sentient self-awareness of these events. Different cultures treat these events in different ways. Many religions and philosophies attempt to give meaning to the human condition. The human condition is the central subject of much literature, drama and art.
Study
The human condition is the subject of fields of study like sociology, anthropology, and demographics.
In some of the poorest parts of the world, the human condition has changed little over the centuries.
In most developed countries, improvements in medicine, education, and public health have brought about marked changes in the human condition over the last few hundred years, with increases in life expectancy and demography (see demographic transition). Probably one of the largest changes has been the availability of contraception, which has changed the lives of women and attitudes to sexuality. Even then, these changes only alter the details of the human condition.
Change
Some movements like transhumanism aim to radically change the human condition. Other thinkers, like Enrico Fermi, deny that human nature has changed radically over time.
Overheard in passing
Some comments which reveal the condition of others:
- My husband doesn't understand. I need to ...
- Now Jimmy, if you don't behave, I am going to have to find some nice family that will take you. ...
- I'm bored. Let's ...
- If I had enough money, we could ...
- I need to make today count.
- Again? Perhaps. Perhaps.
See also
Related articles: Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Man's search for meaning, Existentialism
See also: Seven deadly sins, rite of passage, Seven ages of man, Erik H. Erikson, Category:Core issues in ethics.
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