The way in which we are socially wired as a species allows for a subjective, endless-possibilities, philosophical approach to introspection. But what connects us as a species? Are our physical similarities enough for us to say we are human beings? Is it a common origin, humans as the spawn of a deity? Is there a common internal system of humanity, a soul, within us all?

Whether or not you choose to believe in any of these notions, or any of the others omitted, you will most likely agree with the concept of having a taxonomic characteristic that transcends the physical realm.

However, in a hypothetical scenario in which a different sort of thinking life form were to observe our collective behavior for a short period of time, he/she/it would absolutely disapprove of any sort of statement that indicates unity between us humans. To provide an example, this article is being written at a small desk, in a public space where other people surround the author, an author who chooses to ignore spoken ways of communication in favor of a listening experience that stems from a spare bedroom in San Francisco.

Seeming disconnect on a human level and a lack of proper communication play an integral role in many of the disgraceful nightmare scenarios that have unfolded in the year 2016 alone. Perhaps it’s not too far-fetched to imagine a possible prevention of a tragedy if we had a more valued sense of humanity as a cohesive unit. Making it a more heavily charged moral dilemma to ruin the lives of fellow humans might be the difference when a person decides whether to commit a horrible act of great magnitude.

Another way this newfound and reinforced identity can help avoid tragedies like the ones we've seen recently is by instilling a sense of fraternity to counteract the hate groups that are seemingly responsible for some of these attacks on society.

This is a call to all human beings: to swap the apathy for empathy, to help the ones struggling instead of ignoring them, to know the ones you coexist with on a daily basis. Change like the one our society needs starts from within, and having the right mindset is always the first step to a successful anything. That, accompanied with an educated sense of social awareness and accountability, can take you far in making a change in a small but ever-growing circle.

“Pit race against race, religion against religion, prejudice against prejudice. Divide and conquer! We must not let that happen here.”
-- Eleanor Roosevelt