Submitted by LostYonder in AskRaddle
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.
LostYonder OP wrote
fascinating - thanks for sharing. I like that earthly aspect and it's inclusive nature...
kore wrote
haha yeah well it's not really inclusive in latin, i just like to think it could be that way.
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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