What’s one of the best parts of humanity? It’s one question I love to ask. Partly for the answer, partly to get people thinking, partly for the discussion that happens after. It’s interesting every time and I love what it fuels and where the answers stem from. I asked some people around a campfire Friday night what they think the best parts of humanity are and they are worth sharing, pondering, and coming up with your own conclusions. Humanity isn’t solely wars, pain, and hate and here are some answers that expressly show that

Rondale, 19, says, “it’s our ability to change.” He shares that he believes that people generally tend to want to change for the better and when we are changing ourselves, we are changing our world. Examples are fighting for equality and for our planet to be treated well. “We see problem and we try to change it,” Rondale explains.

Jackie, 19, found one word to describe it: “Feelings.” She explains it's the ability to feel deeply, and so vastly. “Negatives are room for improvement” she says. Explaining that we can transform being hurt into something positive.

Chris, 24, says that he thinks the best part of humanity is “the human experience…we are all human and trying to be good people.” He explains that even when people do hurtful, terrible things it’s not really because they are inherently bad. Realizing that we are all human and in this life together and are able to connect with people despite different backgrounds, lifestyles, etc. is truly the pinnacle of being here and alive.

Hannah, 19, says that it is “remorse and the ability to know when you’ve done something bad.” She explains that our conscience and that terrible feeling we get when we have done something hurtful is one of the better parts of humanity.

Halle, 20, says, “the moment when people shift from an outsider to someone who wants to hear about your life.” Breaking that barrier of going from stranger to friend and the ability to do that is one of the better parts of the humanity. Halle also reflects that there are so many "best parts of humanity."

Christi, 21, and similarly to Rondale says it’s “people’s ability to change for the better.” She explains that no matter how bad of a person someone can be, they can always change for the better. “It’s full of hope,” she states. “Everything can be terrible, but you know there is hope that things can be better. Knowing that makes you stronger. If other people can turn it around so can I.”

Nick, 19, says, "it's people's ability to be truly altruistic." Giving people compliments and helping people with no foreseeable benefit for yourself are some examples he listed. He explains that we have that ability inherently within and that is a beautiful part of us as humans.

Courtney, 19, says that it’s “the ability to understand and connect with people.” She explains how even though sometimes it’s hard to understand or connect with someone sometimes, we all have the ability to in some way.

These answers range and vary. They have comment themes and different words. There’s a lot of different answers to this question and they are all true. I urge anyone to focus on the better parts of humanity and to be a part of that, consciously.