The humans vs. humans division has been of concern to most cultural groups. In an attempt to resolve this division, people from different cultures have come up with different responses over the years. These responses are reflected in works of philosophy, literature, visual art and music. This paper explores some significant cultural responses to the human vs. human division.
Ancient Greece, known for its rich tradition of philosophy, addressed the division among humans by promoting unity. One work that is worth noting is Plato’s “Republic.” This work advocates mutual respect and teamwork between individuals (Matthews et al., 2014). When individuals can reach a common interest or goal, then social harmony is achieved. Therefore, Plato’s work highlights the importance of the individual’s role in promoting peace and harmony. How does Plato’s “The republic” address the issue of human division? “The Republic” addresses the causes and different ways of resolving the division between humans. To solve this division, Plato proposes a leader with wisdom and knowledge who can unite different groups of people. This work shows that Plato considers wisdom and knowledge the primary solutions to human division.
The Italian culture also highlights moral values as a solution to this division. Based on Christian teachings and beliefs, individuals learned the importance of morality. A well-known example of this response is Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy” (Matthews & Platt, 2014). This work clearly shows a journey through purgatory, hell and paradise. It emphasizes the consequences of wrong choices and the importance of morality. What is Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy” purpose regarding human division? Dante wrote this exciting piece of literature to show humanity what awaits them if they live recklessly. The story encourages morality among all people, Christians and non-Christians alike. Dante’s portrayal of hell, purgatory and paradise is seen as a reflection of the Italian worldview. The Italian culture acknowledges the existence of human division and believes it can be broken down through salvation.
Another response from Italian culture is evident in Michelangelo’s “David” statue. This statue addresses the topic of human division by portraying David, the biblical hero, as a symbol of human strength and bravery (Matthews et al., 2014). The statue is a powerful statement of the value and worth of human life. Therefore, it discourages human division by making people realize their potential to change the world positively. With every individual having a positive mindset, human vs. human division is bound to reduce significantly.
The French culture also points out the destructive impact of human vs. human division through music. For instance, the opera “Les Huguenots” by Giacomo Meyerbeer tells the story of religious conflicts and wars in France between Catholics and Protestants during the sixteenth century (Matthews & Platt, 2014). This music describes the heartbreaking consequences of religious division, such as oppression and violence, which resulted in human suffering. How does “Les Huguenots” express the worldview of religion concerning human division? Giacomo used different religious ideologies, which shows how personal beliefs influence an individual’s actions. Therefore, the opera “Les Huguenots” expresses the worldview of religious division as a destructive force that can lead to tragic consequences. It also highlights the importance of faith, resilience, and unity in times of division.
Overall, the humans vs. humans division has prompted various cultural responses throughout history. These responses are reflected in works of philosophy, literature, visual art, and music. These works highlight the centrality of the individual’s role in promoting unity. Much emphasis is also placed on morality, courage, and compassion. Consequently, the various cultural responses demonstrate the devastating costs of human division and instigate people to work towards a more unified and peaceful world.
References
Matthews, R. T., Platt, F. D., & Noble, T. F. X. (2014). Experience Humanities Volume II: The Renaissance to the Present (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Matthews, R. T., & Platt, F. D. (Eds.). (2014). Readings to accompany experience humanities volume II: The Renaissance to the present (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
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