Homo sapiens is a fact of nature but humanity is an idea borne by our nature. If one says "I am a human," one speaks of a natural coincidence. If one says "I am a member of humanity," then one speaks of an ancient idea. Humanity is an idealistic nation. It both does not yet exist and currently exists in the beating hearts and the brimming minds of the teeming striving masses. And is constantly imminent in actions of recognition. We may call the best of us humanitarians, but we all know the best of us is within each of us. So I rub my stomach in hunger and scratch my head in wonder for my desire to build that nation. Because all subdivisions while currently more tangible pale by comparison to that dream. Recognize the humanity of others and you too are a nation-builder.
Brandon Nakasato is an educational administrator at the University of British Columbia and currently working to revive the WFM-Canada Vancouver Branch. He is the former chairperson of the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights and founder of the community engagement nonprofit, Our Commonwealth.