The Traits That Make Human Beings Unique

Questioning the world around us and the different aspects of living allow people to attempt to understand their role in life, as well as, put simply, what it means to be human. Countless stories, whether it be told through books, media, or music, have strived to convey an interpretation of who we are and especially, how our actions are not as miniscule as they may appear to be. Through the novel 1984, by George Orwell, and the article “The Traits that Make Human Beings Unique”, by Melissa Hogenboom, one is able to see what ultimately defines being human - sharing values such as love, happiness, and freedom. The novel 1984, by George Orwell, depicts a dystopian civilization based on complete control of the government, the Party, that exerts

Questioning the way we unconsciously react to each others’ emotions, actions and more, Hogenboom brings about the complex question of how we use this information to interact with one another and the connections made with 1984. A study found that from an early age children are prone to exhibit altruistic actions, “Children seem to be innate helpers. They act selflessly before social norms set in” (The Traits that Make Human Beings Unique). Children often pick up dropped objects and open doors for those around them, and “They will even stop playing to help. Their sense of fairness begins young”. Such social skills aid in bonding with others, and further convey our need for human connection. Compassion can be seen expressed at a very young age, “children show proactive kindness”, allowing for growth and development regarding our bonds with other people. In 1984 Winston and Julia’s close bond stems from the rigid government and the laws concerning relationships; as a result their relationship has a desire for, if not kindness, then comfort in another human being. Humans are innately social creatures and regarding nature, cannot live in a solitary environment, “Human children are less selective about who they share with. Chimpanzees though, largely only share with close relatives” (The Traits that Make Human

In 1984 the Party instills an oppressive government intent on ridding their society of love and kindness, feeding off of control and the imposing system it has on the people. This in turn prevents the citizens from expressing love, let alone pure emotion. Winston seeks freedom from information, attempting to embrace the validity of the past and reflecting in his journal over his life in the present. His rebellion serves to be a very serious threat towards the Party, and the government seeks to destroy any forms of humanity concerning love and freedom. In the article by Hogenboom, the author conveys the interactions we have with one another regarding compassion and mental progression. She connects studies concerning the kindness in children to our inherent need for relationships, ultimately drawing to a conclusion that the impacts we have on one another are great in size. Our actions resonate with everything around us, no matter how miniscule we may believe to