My take on: What it means to be human

What makes us human is our consciousness. We don’t just live; we’re aware that we’re living. We think about why we’re here, what we’re doing, and how we relate to the world and the people around us, as if we are both spectators and actors at the same time. This self-awareness can be empowering but also overwhelming. It makes us question our purpose, reflect on our choices, and imagine futures beyond our current reality. At the same time, it brings uncertainty and self-doubt. Yet, it’s precisely this complexity that defines us: the ability to hold multiple truths and keep moving forward.

Connection is also central to being human. We need others—not just for survival but to feel validated and appreciated. Yet, in today´s world dominated by technology, genuine connection often feels harder to achieve. Social media provides the illusion of recognition, but it rarely satisfies our deeper need to be truly seen. Real connection requires effort, trust, and vulnerability. It’s in moments of face-to-face interaction, where we feel valued and understood, that we find the recognition we crave.

Closely tied to connection is our desire for recognition. We want to be seen, understood, and valued—not just for what we do, but for who we are. In The Truman Show, Truman’s journey to escape his constructed world reflects this human want. Like Truman, we live through layers of societal and personal expectations, seeking acknowledgment that feels meaningful. 

Finally, being human means embracing imperfection. We learn through trial and error, adapting and growing along the way. Our mistakes shape us, and it’s through those cracks that we find meaning and connection. Imperfection is not something that is wrong but a feature of humanity, allowing us to relate to one another and discover new possibilities to grow.

To be human is to exist in a constant state of discovery—about ourselves, our relationships, and the world. It’s about seeking recognition, building connection, and finding beauty in the process of existing.