Are Modern Humans Less Human Than Early Humans?
The age-old question of who is more human, early humans or modern humans who have evolved to become less like them, sparks a fascinating discussion on the essence of humanity. The definition of what it means to be human has evolved over time, and the key to answering this question lies in understanding both the natural progression of human evolution and the characteristics that define humanity.
Understanding Humanity Through Evolution
The journey of humanity can be traced back millions of years. Early humans, such as Ardipithecus ramidus, were closer to the Last Common Ancestor of humans and chimpanzees, albeit better adapted to the savannah. However, the emergence of species like Homo erectus and Homo sapiens marked significant milestones in human evolution. These early humans, with their unique attributes, challenge our understanding of what it means to be human.
Defining Early Humans
When we refer to early humans, we often think of those that came after the Ardepithecus and Australopithecus, such as Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and others. These hominids walked the earth long before Homo sapiens. For instance, Orrorin tugenensis, one of the first humans to walk upright, dates back to approximately 5.8 million years ago. By the time Homo sapiens appeared around 200,000 to 300,000 years ago, they were already adept at using stone tools and hunting, much like their earlier counterparts.
Behavioral Modernity and Human Progress
Around 40,000 years ago, early humans made a significant leap in cognitive development, known as Behavioral Modernity. They started creating cave art, burying their dead with ceremony, and inventing technologies. This breakthrough marked a distinct change in their behavior and thought patterns, setting them apart from their earlier ancestors. The Neanderthals and Denisovans also exhibited similar behaviors, reinforcing the idea that early humans were all part of the same human family.
The Dilemma of Less Human
The question of whether modern humans are less human than early humans is complex. It depends on the definition of "human" and the criteria we use to assess it. While modern humans may have advanced in certain technological and cognitive aspects, we might have also lost some of the simpler yet essential human qualities. The argument that modern humans are less human could be based on the idea that we have distanced ourselves from the natural world and certain primal aspects of existence.
Maintaining Humanity
As we evolve, it is crucial to consider whether we are maintaining the core aspects that define us as human. The debate over whether we have become less human involves questioning the balance between technological advancement and preserving our natural instincts and communal bonds. The concept of Behavioral Modernity 2.0 suggests that human evolution and development should aim to maintain these essential human qualities.
Conclusion
The question of who is more human, early humans or modern humans, is a nuanced one that depends on how we define human. While modern humans have certainly evolved in significant ways, there is a sense that we must continue to foster the qualities that make us human, such as creativity, cooperation, and respect for the natural world. By embracing these qualities, we can strive to become truly human in the fullest sense of the word.