In a world where our surroundings increasingly exhibit cruelty and inhumanity, the call to preserve the true essence of humanity remains a crucial reminder of our inner values.

Staying Human Amidst Chaos

In a world where our surroundings increasingly exhibit cruelty and inhumanity, the call to preserve the true essence of humanity remains a crucial reminder of our inner values.

In conditions where success is measured by physical strength or external achievements, true dignity lies in the ability to show compassion, make conscious choices, and strive for spiritual growth.

Today, as society experiences rapid change and moral trials, it is important to remember that our uniqueness does not come from comparing ourselves to animals but from remaining true to our human qualities. We are not obliged to conform to the aggressive standards of strength or the assertiveness of nature—our genuine power lies in the ability to feel, forgive, and choose a path that leads to inner growth.

In conclusion, even when the world around us seems engulfed in chaos, preserving our humanity remains our highest priority. This is not only a way to withstand degradation but also an opportunity for personal self-development, the embodiment of high moral ideals, and the nurturing of that inner fire which makes us truly alive.

How can the relevance of the call “People, remain human” be understood in modern times?

The call “People, remain human” is still relevant today because it urges us to preserve those qualities that distinguish humanity from the animal world, even when the reality around us appears increasingly cruel and inhuman. This call serves as a reminder that true value does not lie in physical strength or external success, but in the capacity for compassion, the freedom to choose, and spiritual growth.

For example, one excerpt states:
“Let everyone around be animals, let them be, but let at least one person on earth remain human. Let him be killed, let him be eaten, even if he is poor—but he will be human. That is far more important. Suppose there are several dozen people in Moscow. And of course, it is very difficult for them. They live as if in a wild forest and constantly suffer from what is happening around them, from the fact that everyone has become so bestial. It hurts them; they feel it as they continually face this evil. Nevertheless, remaining human is still better. And we must strive precisely for this.” (source: link txt)

This excerpt underscores the idea that even if society descends into chaos and cruelty, summoning the strength to maintain human dignity and moral values remains paramount. The appeal to the inner world of an individual—to the capacity to resist degradation—gains special significance in modern times.

Furthermore, another excerpt clearly emphasizes the value of uniquely human qualities:
“But he will not become human. That is the point. Our value, our humanity, does not lie in becoming strong. No, man is very weak—a tiger is stronger. We lack the fur, the claws; none of that has been given to us by God. Why? So that we may be human.” (source: link txt)

This quote draws attention to the fact that the greatest strength of a human being is the ability to remain true to oneself—with all our moral weaknesses and high spiritual aspirations. Even if physically we cannot compete with animals, our true strength lies in our capacity to think, feel, and choose actions that set us apart from instinctively animalistic behavior.

Thus, in modern times—when many values are being reinterpreted and societal life can seem inhumane—the call “People, remain human” remains extremely significant. It reminds us of the need for personal self-development, for choosing a path that upholds human dignity, and for striving toward high moral ideals despite external hardships.

Supporting citation(s):
“Let everyone around be animals, let them be, but let at least one person on earth remain human. Let him be killed, let him be eaten, even if he is poor—but he will be human. That is far more important. Suppose there are several dozen people in Moscow. And of course, it is very difficult for them. They live as if in a wild forest and constantly suffer from what is happening around them, from the fact that everyone has become so bestial. It hurts them; they feel it as they continually face this evil. Nevertheless, remaining human is still better. And we must strive precisely for this.” (source: link txt)

“But he will not become human. That is the point. Our value, our humanity, does not lie in becoming strong. No, man is very weak—a tiger is stronger. We lack the fur, the claws; none of that has been given to us by God. Why? So that we may be human.” (source: link txt)