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Beautiful Message From A Friend
11 months ago
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♥Squeeshies♥
So one of my friend on discord posted this and I told him I was gonna repost it here.
Someone made a comment about how someone could 'know anything seriously if they don’t even know themselves.' But that raises a deeper question: Do you truly know yourself? What does it even mean to 'know yourself,' and how do you measure that? Is it something static, or does it evolve over time? If your understanding of yourself has changed, does that mean you didn’t know yourself before? Have you ever questioned why you believe what you do—whether your values, assumptions, or biases are truly yours, or if you’re just echoing what you were taught?
And if you think knowing yourself is important, what makes you confident that your understanding of yourself is deeper or more valid than someone else’s understanding of their identity? Do you think that discomfort with someone else’s self-expression says more about them—or about you?
This brings us to something bigger: humanity’s collective journey of growth. Throughout history, we’ve seen a moral evolution—a widening of the circle of empathy and understanding. There was a time when people justified slavery, denied women the right to vote, or criminalized love between people of the same sex. People once believed that monarchs ruled by divine right, that interracial marriage was immoral, or that workers didn’t deserve weekends, fair wages, or safe working conditions. These injustices were defended as 'normal' and necessary for the stability of society, but as our empathy expanded, we realized they were rooted not in morality but in fear and ignorance.
Think of how Galileo was persecuted for claiming that the Earth revolves around the sun because it challenged the 'natural order' as understood by the church. Consider the abolition of child labor or the dismantling of colonial empires—both seen as radical in their time, but now widely accepted as moral necessities. Even civil rights movements, like those led by Martin Luther King Jr., were met with fierce resistance under the guise of 'protecting tradition.' Yet in every case, humanity’s progress has been defined by those willing to push past their discomfort, challenge assumptions, and imagine a more just world.
What we’re grappling with now—questions of gender, identity, and self-expression—is part of that same evolutionary process. It’s humanity continuing to grow, learning to embrace and affirm the dignity of others in ways that may feel challenging at first but ultimately push us toward something better. And yes, growth is uncomfortable, but isn’t that discomfort the price we pay to move forward? Have you ever grown in your own life—become a better person—without first confronting something that made you uncomfortable or challenged your assumptions?
This is where the Tolerance Paradox comes in. A truly flourishing society is one that values tolerance and diversity, but that doesn’t mean tolerating behaviors or attitudes that actively harm others. Mockery, dehumanization, and intolerance don’t just disrespect individuals—they undermine the foundation of a compassionate and functional society. Tolerance must have limits where it begins to harm the flourishing and safety of others.
And what is the purpose of society if not to maximize human flourishing? A flourishing society is one where people can live authentically, without fear of ridicule or violence. It’s one where freedom of self-expression isn’t just tolerated—it’s celebrated as part of what makes humanity beautiful and resilient. It’s not about forcing everyone to think the same or abandoning your own values—it’s about recognizing that those values should contribute to the well-being and dignity of others, not tear them down. (edited)
So here’s what I’d ask you: What kind of world do you want to be part of? One where people are free to explore, grow, and express themselves without fear—or one where fear and intolerance dictate who gets to be seen as valid? Do you believe that someone’s identity and humanity are less worthy of respect because they don’t fit your understanding of 'normal'? Do you think shared values should be rooted in conformity, or in mutual respect and empathy? What do your feelings of discomfort truly say about the other person—and what do they say about you?
Humanity has always been moving toward something greater—a more connected, compassionate existence where no one is left behind. But that progress isn’t guaranteed. It’s a choice we make every day. We have to ask ourselves: Will we contribute to a world where more people can thrive, or will we hold onto a narrow vision of the past that excludes others from flourishing? These moments of discomfort are opportunities to grow—not just as individuals, but as part of the ongoing evolution of humanity itself. The question is: Will you rise to meet that opportunity?" (edited)
At our core, we are social creatures.
Humans, fundamentally, are beings who thrive in connection with one another. We are not solitary; we are deeply interdependent. Our very survival—biologically, emotionally, and socially—has always depended on the bonds we form. We need one another, not just for physical survival but for meaning and purpose. We are creatures who live for one another, finding our deepest fulfillment in relationships, shared experiences, and the collective good.
Our social nature shapes everything about us. We desire to be seen, heard, and understood because it is through others that we come to understand ourselves. Empathy, communication, and cooperation are not just optional; they are essential to what it means to be human. When we strip away the layers of modern complexity, what remains is a simple truth: We need each other. And when we harm, alienate, or dismiss others, we undermine the very fabric of what holds us together.
All of human history is a story of development.
From the first spark of consciousness to the societies we inhabit today, humanity’s story is one of growth—biological, social, and moral. We’ve evolved not just physically but socially, crafting ever-more complex ways of living together, cooperating, and sharing resources. Morally and spiritually, we’ve moved—however haltingly—toward greater empathy and understanding, expanding the boundaries of who we see as worthy of dignity and care.
We’ve seen this in every struggle for justice and progress: the abolition of slavery, the recognition of women’s rights, the fight for equality regardless of race, gender, or identity. These milestones weren’t inevitable; they were hard-won steps in our collective journey. Each represents humanity striving to align our actions with our evolving understanding of what is good, just, and true.
And this development isn’t finished. We are still growing, still learning. We are in the midst of a profound transition—technologically, socially, and morally. Our world has become more interconnected than ever before, yet we are often divided by fear, misunderstanding, and exploitation. The question we must ask ourselves now is: Will we rise to meet the challenges of our time, or will we falter, held back by the same forces that have always threatened our growth?
These two principles are inseparable.
Our evolution has always been driven by our social nature. It is through connection, cooperation, and shared struggle that we have grown—not just as individuals but as a species. And it is through empathy, justice, and compassion that we will continue to grow, if we choose to. But growth requires intentionality. It requires us to recognize that humanity’s potential is not found in isolation or division but in our collective ability to live for one another, to uplift one another, and to build a future that allows everyone to flourish.
So here’s the heart of it: Humanity’s story is still being written. We have always been creatures of development and connection, striving for something greater. What kind of future will we create? A world where we deny our social nature, retreating into selfishness and division? Or one where we embrace the beauty of our interdependence and continue to grow—biologically, socially, and morally—together?
For me, the answer is clear: Our humanity is our greatest gift. We must protect it, nurture it, and build a world that reflects the best of who we are. Because to be human is to belong to one another.
Someone made a comment about how someone could 'know anything seriously if they don’t even know themselves.' But that raises a deeper question: Do you truly know yourself? What does it even mean to 'know yourself,' and how do you measure that? Is it something static, or does it evolve over time? If your understanding of yourself has changed, does that mean you didn’t know yourself before? Have you ever questioned why you believe what you do—whether your values, assumptions, or biases are truly yours, or if you’re just echoing what you were taught?
And if you think knowing yourself is important, what makes you confident that your understanding of yourself is deeper or more valid than someone else’s understanding of their identity? Do you think that discomfort with someone else’s self-expression says more about them—or about you?
This brings us to something bigger: humanity’s collective journey of growth. Throughout history, we’ve seen a moral evolution—a widening of the circle of empathy and understanding. There was a time when people justified slavery, denied women the right to vote, or criminalized love between people of the same sex. People once believed that monarchs ruled by divine right, that interracial marriage was immoral, or that workers didn’t deserve weekends, fair wages, or safe working conditions. These injustices were defended as 'normal' and necessary for the stability of society, but as our empathy expanded, we realized they were rooted not in morality but in fear and ignorance.
Think of how Galileo was persecuted for claiming that the Earth revolves around the sun because it challenged the 'natural order' as understood by the church. Consider the abolition of child labor or the dismantling of colonial empires—both seen as radical in their time, but now widely accepted as moral necessities. Even civil rights movements, like those led by Martin Luther King Jr., were met with fierce resistance under the guise of 'protecting tradition.' Yet in every case, humanity’s progress has been defined by those willing to push past their discomfort, challenge assumptions, and imagine a more just world.
What we’re grappling with now—questions of gender, identity, and self-expression—is part of that same evolutionary process. It’s humanity continuing to grow, learning to embrace and affirm the dignity of others in ways that may feel challenging at first but ultimately push us toward something better. And yes, growth is uncomfortable, but isn’t that discomfort the price we pay to move forward? Have you ever grown in your own life—become a better person—without first confronting something that made you uncomfortable or challenged your assumptions?
This is where the Tolerance Paradox comes in. A truly flourishing society is one that values tolerance and diversity, but that doesn’t mean tolerating behaviors or attitudes that actively harm others. Mockery, dehumanization, and intolerance don’t just disrespect individuals—they undermine the foundation of a compassionate and functional society. Tolerance must have limits where it begins to harm the flourishing and safety of others.
And what is the purpose of society if not to maximize human flourishing? A flourishing society is one where people can live authentically, without fear of ridicule or violence. It’s one where freedom of self-expression isn’t just tolerated—it’s celebrated as part of what makes humanity beautiful and resilient. It’s not about forcing everyone to think the same or abandoning your own values—it’s about recognizing that those values should contribute to the well-being and dignity of others, not tear them down. (edited)
So here’s what I’d ask you: What kind of world do you want to be part of? One where people are free to explore, grow, and express themselves without fear—or one where fear and intolerance dictate who gets to be seen as valid? Do you believe that someone’s identity and humanity are less worthy of respect because they don’t fit your understanding of 'normal'? Do you think shared values should be rooted in conformity, or in mutual respect and empathy? What do your feelings of discomfort truly say about the other person—and what do they say about you?
Humanity has always been moving toward something greater—a more connected, compassionate existence where no one is left behind. But that progress isn’t guaranteed. It’s a choice we make every day. We have to ask ourselves: Will we contribute to a world where more people can thrive, or will we hold onto a narrow vision of the past that excludes others from flourishing? These moments of discomfort are opportunities to grow—not just as individuals, but as part of the ongoing evolution of humanity itself. The question is: Will you rise to meet that opportunity?" (edited)
At our core, we are social creatures.
Humans, fundamentally, are beings who thrive in connection with one another. We are not solitary; we are deeply interdependent. Our very survival—biologically, emotionally, and socially—has always depended on the bonds we form. We need one another, not just for physical survival but for meaning and purpose. We are creatures who live for one another, finding our deepest fulfillment in relationships, shared experiences, and the collective good.
Our social nature shapes everything about us. We desire to be seen, heard, and understood because it is through others that we come to understand ourselves. Empathy, communication, and cooperation are not just optional; they are essential to what it means to be human. When we strip away the layers of modern complexity, what remains is a simple truth: We need each other. And when we harm, alienate, or dismiss others, we undermine the very fabric of what holds us together.
All of human history is a story of development.
From the first spark of consciousness to the societies we inhabit today, humanity’s story is one of growth—biological, social, and moral. We’ve evolved not just physically but socially, crafting ever-more complex ways of living together, cooperating, and sharing resources. Morally and spiritually, we’ve moved—however haltingly—toward greater empathy and understanding, expanding the boundaries of who we see as worthy of dignity and care.
We’ve seen this in every struggle for justice and progress: the abolition of slavery, the recognition of women’s rights, the fight for equality regardless of race, gender, or identity. These milestones weren’t inevitable; they were hard-won steps in our collective journey. Each represents humanity striving to align our actions with our evolving understanding of what is good, just, and true.
And this development isn’t finished. We are still growing, still learning. We are in the midst of a profound transition—technologically, socially, and morally. Our world has become more interconnected than ever before, yet we are often divided by fear, misunderstanding, and exploitation. The question we must ask ourselves now is: Will we rise to meet the challenges of our time, or will we falter, held back by the same forces that have always threatened our growth?
These two principles are inseparable.
Our evolution has always been driven by our social nature. It is through connection, cooperation, and shared struggle that we have grown—not just as individuals but as a species. And it is through empathy, justice, and compassion that we will continue to grow, if we choose to. But growth requires intentionality. It requires us to recognize that humanity’s potential is not found in isolation or division but in our collective ability to live for one another, to uplift one another, and to build a future that allows everyone to flourish.
So here’s the heart of it: Humanity’s story is still being written. We have always been creatures of development and connection, striving for something greater. What kind of future will we create? A world where we deny our social nature, retreating into selfishness and division? Or one where we embrace the beauty of our interdependence and continue to grow—biologically, socially, and morally—together?
For me, the answer is clear: Our humanity is our greatest gift. We must protect it, nurture it, and build a world that reflects the best of who we are. Because to be human is to belong to one another.
♥Squeeshies♥
♥Even More Squeeshies♥
.・。・゜♥・。・゜♫゜・。・♥゜・。・♫゜・。・゜♥・。・゜♫・。・゜♥・。・゜♫゜・。・♥゜・。・.
O.o whoa... O.o this is actually pretty deep
naughtykyuubi69
~naughtykyuubi69
beautiful and profound
