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kore wrote (edited )

an interesting little fact is that the etymology of the word "humane" comes the latin word "humanus" which means "of a human being." This word is in turn related to "humus", the Latin word for earth. So at its most basic level, to be humane is to be an earthly being. I like to include all living things in this definition. It also has the association "kind, gentle, polite" from very early on, as if these qualities are fitting for a human. Okay, comparative-historical linguistics aside over.

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LostYonder OP wrote

fascinating - thanks for sharing. I like that earthly aspect and it's inclusive nature...

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kore wrote

haha yeah well it's not really inclusive in latin, i just like to think it could be that way.

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LostYonder OP wrote

no, certainly not, particularly as it is an expression of the Christian idea that man is created from the earth/clay/dust... But that's just the roots of an idea that ultimately goes beyond that original meaning. Thus the appeal of your more humane reading of the humane :)

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