The Human Person and Others

Who Am I?The Human Being, The

Human Person

Why did you say that what you have is a person? What makes a person, person?

What about a human being, what are his characteristics?

How would you differentiate a human being from a human person?

When do you say that a human being is a human person?

Is it possible that a human being may not transform into a human person?

Do you believe that a human being is not automatically a human person?

The Human BeingTo be called human being; one must possess

the characteristics of a human being Michael D. Morga, SJ in his book, What Makes

Man Truly Human mentioned that human beings are not necessarily humans for two reasons: a) it takes time and effort to grow to the point

where his own nature has reached full realization,

b) it is very possible that an individual will not reach full development at all.

In Filipino we have the saying, madaling maging tao, mahirap magpakatao.

To be born with the characteristics of a human being is easier than to live according to our innate and external characteristics as human beings.

This is what we call PAGPAPAKATAOTo understand the difference between

a human being and a human person we have to identify their characteristics which are very difficult because of this line that separates the two.

HUMAN BEING

HUMAN PERSON

Similarities BodyThinkFeelActTalk

Talents/Potentials

Body ThinkFeelActTalk

Talents/Potentials

Differences WHAT WE ARE-Physical being

-Existence

WHO WE ARE-values, attitudes, priorities, beliefs, principles, origin.-Living

CHARACTERISTICS OF A HUMAN BEINGWe have a body!Anyone who has no body is not a human being.Thinking ability – human intelligence

It is the nature of man to think, that means, even if nobody tells him to think, he is still capable of using his facility to rationalize.

Human intelligence can never grow by itself it has to be developed.

But there are people who have grown in age but refused to grow in wisdom.

There are also those who have grown in age and at the same time matured in the way they should think and make decisions.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A HUMAN BEING

experience realizations knowledge interactions

Intellectual developmen

t

Road towards becoming a Human PersonThe ability to feel!Feeling can never be 100% correctFeelings are subjectiveFeelings when raised to a higher

level of our consciousness is a very important element of becoming a human person.

When man’s feelings becomes an opportunity to love others then we no longer as human being, we become human persons!

Road towards becoming a Human PersonTalents and potentials used for the benefit of

others especially the less fortunate ones can make the human being a human person.

Communication is a characteristic of a human person.We don’t only talk, we communicate.Communication means building relations, of

attaining harmony and peace among people not only self-expression.

To become a human person, one must become a human being first.

THE HUMAN PERSONTo be a human person does not only mean to

have a body but to use this body according to its purpose.A human person is a being who has a body that

is capable of being directed to the source of his/her life.

A human person uses his/her intelligence not only for his/her personal use.

The human person has the capacity to love.Love is a continuous experience of dying to the

self.To be a human person is to live life according

to ones nature, origin, dignity, and purpose.

THE HUMAN PERSONA human person is a human being in the

process of developing himself.Thus, he/she is a human being in a PROCESS.His/her life is a continuous struggle and

process of becoming a human person.The human person is capable of being HOLY.

To say, “Sapagka’t ako ay tao lamang” is to deny ourselves of our true nature and origin (GOD).

Origin: GodNature: Goodness

THE HUMAN PERSONThe human person is a human

being with a purpose.The purpose of our lives is far

greater that our own personal fulfillment, peace of mind, or even our happiness.

Finding our life’s purpose is tedious. At times, we begin at a wrong starting point, that is, ourselves. We asks:

What do I want to be? What should I do with my life? What are my goals, ambitions,

dreams for the future? BUT OUR PURPOSE IS ONLY

FOUND IN GOD.

THE HUMAN PERSONOur purpose is not

only to be born, enjoy the rest of creation and in the end to die but to share in the divine life of God.But we have to

work on this. Our life must be a life of obedience to God’s will.

THE HUMAN PERSONWe are not only rational but also

relational beings. Our being person is realized by others, as to birth, upbringing, growth; with others, as family, friends, peer group, neighbors; and for others as in love and service

We are embodied spirits.Our body is not a source of all evil.

Christian faith teaches us that our body is “good and honorable since God has created it and will raise it up on the last day” (Gaudium et Spes, no. 14).

Wellness

Physical

Social

Emotional

Environmental

Intellectual

Ethical

Occupational

Cultural

The Human Person

Physical: The body is the physical structure which houses us. It grows and matures more quickly, than the rest of our person.

Environmental: All persons should have an understanding and awareness of their impact on the world and those in it.

Intellectual: The human person thinks about issues and ideas and makes decisions about his/her life. Humans have an intellect and a will-the ability to choose.

Emotional: Emotions (feelings) permeate our whole person. The mature person is one who controls his/her emotions.

Social: Each person is part of a community. He/she learns to interact with others, develop friendships and work to benefit others, as well as him/herself.

Occupational: Determining a suitable occupation that provides satisfaction and a positive attitude about work, throughout life.

Ethical: All persons must face the questions concerning right and wrong. They must live their life accordingly and develop a moral code/value system.

l

Cultural: Ones ability to live in a diverse community. To consider other’s perspectives and accept and find value in the uniqueness of others.