Often we hear phrases such as: Human beings are nothing but a virus, a plague, a cancer. Often such a phrases or similar ones are used to blame humankind for all external things without stopping to think for a minute on what it’s being said.  It seems easier to blame humankind; for that is what its being done when using such generalist phrases; than it is to take a minute to analyze who is saying it, why and with what bases.

These type of statements were made even more popular by science fiction movies in which human beings are seen as the thing to be exterminated or at the very least have its numbers cut down drastically as to be able to better manage them; such fanatic visions are often the result of very ignorant minds who would rather blame all of humankind than to take the time to look at things more closely and deal with the root of the problem–IGNORANCE– On the one hand people are kept ignorant to make them more manageable, on the other hand they are blamed for every misfortune on earth; as a result a malfunctional duality has been created. 

People don’t often recognize such duality and so they use the analogies without  second thought. Others recognize it, however they rather not upset their realities so they ignore it altogether for the sake of maintaining their status quo “Ignorance is bliss.” Others think they recognize it yet insult and blame those trying to fight such corrupt system without taking the time to actually educate themselves properly; instead they are happy to let others do the thinking for them and simply regurgitate whatever suits their beliefs or dogmas.  Lastly there are the ones who at a conscious or subconscious level understand the dysfunctionality of the manufactured duality and who are willing to seek for answers and ask the questions others are too afraid to ask.  The latter does not see humankind as viruses nor do they limit their mind to a lateral thinking, afraid to expose themselves to different views and ideas; instead they take the time to learn them; submerging themselves in them in order to properly asses what is valuable and what isn’t.

Some New Age movements or Earth movements have been deeply responsible for promoting such dislike or belittling of humankind; under a guise of an all altruistic purpose; which makes it even harder for people to identify the twisted psychology behind it and how it affects the perception we have of ourselves.  Such extreme way of handling things is not that different from those who also belittle humankind and set everything else above it because they are not ready to confront their own wounds nor are they willing to eradicate their false ego.  It is easier then to blame humankind, to belittle, to name it moronic and less than animals, plants and everything else, forgetting the person using such words is a human being.

Nietzsche warned us of the great danger of fanaticism.  After the fall of religion as the maximum compass for society, we have witness an irrational rise of fanatical belief on only that which is focused on science. Turning science into an irrational cult to be used as the new compass for everything.  Science then has become the new religion which simply means we are choosing to go from one extreme to the other without willing to be open minded enough to allow anything that may challenge or disprove ;even if “scientifically”; already preconceived ideas.  But isn’t part of the scientific method to try different hypothesis? Isn’t limiting one’s perception and insulting the opinion of others the same as religious fanaticism? So Science is to be revered but only when convenient. Last time I checked, there are many scientists with various different views who are well trained, well informed, well reputed who may have something entirely different to say than the norm yet to the dogmatic mind their opinion is an aberration.  Are we not supposed to listen, learn, test and dissect both sides of the coin in order to get to a more accurate conclusion?  How quickly then we have turn science into another obsolete dogma use only to insult, demean and belittle humankind.

Such arrogant attitudes have contributed to the following options for people.

1. Over zealous earth movements/veganism.  They portray humankind as the worst predator and idealize earth and its animals, promoting such ideas as “The world would be best without people” ,”People are the virus”, “Animals are better than people”, “Animals do not destroy the ecosystem, alter the climate or eliminate another specie”.  In 2018 BBC reported the 4 year bloody war among chimpanzees where one specie was eradicating another. A large population of rabbits can eradicate its natural surroundings, upset the balance of nature, therefore affecting the lives of other animals; these are just two examples out of vast quantity out there.  It seems many of these groups focus and use as example only aspects of nature which are balanced but avoid to take a closer look at the natural plagues, wars and natural imbalances which can be found all around.  They often like to say that if human beings weren’t alive, animals would live in peace and the earth would thrive.  Are those who like to refer to people as viruses forgetting the many global extinctions or natural disasters before the world was populated? I also hear how an animal is worth much more than a human life, often hearing “I rather have a dog than a child.”  No disrespect to anyone who doesn’t want to have children. I personally it is always best not to have them if one isn’t ready.  Everyone has a choice and that choice should be respected, however belittling children and idolizing animals is not mentally sane as we are talking about two completely different experiences.  A pet provides should be loved and treated humanly.  A pet provides comfort, love, loyalty which should be cherish, however there is the other side; a pet does not challenge anything which means one doesn’t have to step out of the comfort zone.  To raise a child requires the ability to learn to love unconditionally, meaning even when they are throwing tantrums and they are being hard to reach.  Their behaviors often force us to look in, so as to be able to better understand and help them. Through them we can learn to be more compassionate and we can learn to say no; developing clear boundaries; as to not enable ill behaviours.  People who often denigrate children leave me wondering how sad their world must be inside. They must have felt inadequate, unloved, abandoned or rejected by their parents, so much so as to project their wounds onto all kids and turn to the idolization of pets.  Lastly there are the vegans who like to generalize and whom often have a tremendous arrogance towards those who don’t live the same way. As if somehow being a vegan actually determines whether or not you are of good character and capable of making good choices in life.
2. Religious Zealots. Their way of belittling humankind is by dividing and labeling anyone who doesn’t believe the same way as sinners, infidels, unworthy.  There are various religions out there and each has its branches yet they all claim to be the only way and to have the truth. Somehow natural disasters can be blamed on people, who are supposedly being “punished” for not behaving the way the big deity demanded; nothing to do with cause and effect. If you don’t believe, then you are a fool who will be judge by what seems to be not a very loving God.  If you ask rational questions or present information which is different than what is believed by them, then one is consider from a nuisance to an evil spirit who is trying to steal souls. Some treat you nicely but often lack genuineness; they are either trying to recruit you or use you as an example to feel better about themselves which psychology, spirituality and philosophy consider false ego–where there is a false ego, godliness cannot be found.
3. Scientific Zealots.  To them humankind resumes to cells and atoms. Really without purpose, an accidental existence but with a very complex mechanism which they can’t fully explain.  They have taken the spirit out of the equation and seem more eager to punish Religion for the many years it enslaved science than to actually embrace the idea that human beings are more than just the genetic material they study.

The above choices are examples of extremism at its finest.  It is not to say that good people cannot be found in either of those 3 movements; they are all good paths when not being fanatical about it.  Any path which leads to self peace, self knowledge, self development and the harmonious coexistence of people with their surroundings is a great path to follow.  We are so unique and so distinct that it would be naïve of us to think there is only one path to enlightenment, one path to joy and fulfillment, only one way for the colossal mechanisms of life to express itself.

Life is beautiful when we choose to make it so, but when we choose to coldly observe it unfold as an spectator, life as a global phenomenon is a barbaric and grotesque act that used as a moral compass brings us closer to terrible acts. It comes down to perception and the utilizing of our power of choice to determine the course of action life will take. Human beings are the only ones who have power of choice; last time I checked a gazelle does not choose to be eaten by a lion.  Life then counts on us to make this world a “better world”, hence we cannot be  a virus. 

Some environmentalists can come across as arrogant when they talk to others about how they are “saving the planet.” I am not denying their efforts, however let’s not delude ourselves for it isn’t unconditional; they are saving their lives. Nothing wrong with doing so, let’s just not get all altruistic about it, because at the end of the day unless a massive external cataclysmic event occurs, the planet will be there long after we are extinct.

Whether scientific, political, religious or environmental activism, all are good except when it leads to fanaticism and the inability to look at anything other than what supports preconceived ideas.  Such inability can lead to the spread of false or limited information in order to obtain its objective.

I am in no way negating the many ways in which human beings have caused damage to the earth by hurting its ecosystem and the lives found in it. I am not blaming nor generalizing every person, group or organization who fights to defend the planet or its animals. I am simply identifying how politically incorrect it is to demean or generalize humankind as all bad, all evil, all viruses, for we too are part of this planet. We are to take care of our home and surroundings. Rather than labeling humankind as a virus, how about empowering people, educating them at a mental and spiritual level; without dogmas or limited education? Maybe then more and more people would learn to really love themselves, to seek to think and develop for themselves and the result would be a better world for everyone altogether.  So is humankind a virus? No. Can we behave like one? Yes; the choice, the power in your hands!

I leave you with a quote which embodies the reality that no matter how much we think we have learned, there will always be more to discover. It takes a real open mind to understand there is an infinite layers of things and one can spend a whole life learning without “arriving” at the destination.  However, it is better to be open to new ideas, new possibilities, new theories and hypothesis than to succumb to ignorance.

“The more I learn, the less I realize I know” - Socrates

 Sofia Falcone

Sofia Falcone
I passionately believe one person can make a difference. I write from my own experiences and interests. It is my greatest hope that by writing about my own challenges and hopes, others may feel inspired to believe more in their inner power and to fully embrace themselves.

Reprinted on crystalwind.ca with permission from Sofia Falcone.

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