Posted: 13/April/2006 at 04:49 | IP Logged

Human beings are immensely different. As the world becomes smaller and smaller (through globalisation, communication, internet...), our differences become more and more evident. Instead of focusing on our differences, I want to find out where our common ground lies.

What is it that makes us uniquely human? What is the highest common human denominator? What can we all agree on beyond doubt that all human beings share?

Basically - when differences of interests, opinions, politics, ambitions etc. create seemingly unsolvable conflicts, what basic fact about who we are can shift the focus onto our common ground instead?

The "Why?" section under "Planning" on this website will shed some more light on what I mean.

Multiple votes are allowed in this poll. Please discuss below. How can the results of this poll be interpreted to answer my questions?

Cheers!

Martin

Important update!! 28/11/06

This question quickly became the main focus of my documentary. It soon became clear that I could never have imagined the amount of different answers I am given. At the time of writing, I would very roughly estimate that I have asked this question to at least 200 people, and I have probably been given at least 150 different answers. That's a conservative estimate. Surprisingly few people are unable to give an answer.

I therefore regret haven given alternatives in this poll, but I will let it all stand as it has been running like this for six months. Feel free to disregard the alternatives completely, answer "other" and give an answer below. If you choose to answer with one of the alternatives, please imagine the prefix "something vaguely to do with..." to all of them.

Secondly, Paal has made an interesting comment below that I can't answer yes or no to. But let me say this: I am trying to create art, not science. The way the question is interpreted has as much relevance as the answer itself. But then you must know exactly how I ask the question - I do not say what is written above.

Therefore, here's the full version of the question! I would say most of this if speaking to a person with a high level of English, and if time is not an issue. Though it varies tremendously - I might just use a single sentence.

UPDATE 2, Dakar: Never mind the long version of the question, it's too complex and boring. I'm now mostly using this short, very open-ended version:

"ACCORDING TO YOU, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT ALL HUMAN BEINGS HAVE IN COMMON?"

"Selon vous, quelle est la chose plus importante que tous les etres humains ont en common?" (That's just about right, isn't it?)

Martin

Posted: 16/April/2006 at 20:22 | IP Logged

Hi Blackbone,

I think that's a very good point indeed. I suppose our "magic thumbs" have a lot to answer for! The efficient use of our hands had a big part to play in our development as a species (making tools, agriculture etc.)

But let me ask you this: If hands was the only tool allowed, who do you think would win a "picking-lice-out-of-fur-competition" - you or a monkey? Or what about the "picking-termites-out-of-a-colony-olympics"? (I hear Perth, Australia is the host city in 2008 if you're interested.) Who would win, you or a lemur? I don't think you would stand a chance!

The only way you would win, would be to invent a tool, right? (For example a lice comb.) And so you would need a brain to have a conception of a tool that would be more efficient than hands. I think the only way human beings are physically outstanding in the natural world is in terms of brain size. (Perhaps in addition to walking upright? And yes, our magic thumbs...)

Our hands are useless unless they are instructed to do brilliant things by brilliant minds. So I think the search must be for some sort of mental capacity. Or am I wrong?

Hey - magic thumbs! Perhaps we were really meant to be hitchiking? :-)

Martin

PS! "To use our hands efficiently" made me laugh, I couldn't help thinking about masturbation! Which may be a good point - do any other species masturbate? I mean, imagine the scenario: "Ok, let's put our weapons down and have a wank instead!" :-)

Update, Dakar: I now very much disagree with myself. The common human denominator is of course not just a single thing, your answer is as valid as my own and anyone else's. The common human denominator(s) is whatever we choose for it to be.

Posted: 13/August/2006 at 22:17 | IP Logged

Should alternatives that certain animals share with us humans be excluded? If so, it has been proven that chimpanzees are aware of themselves.

Posted: 28/November/2006 at 22:55 | IP Logged

Hi Paal!

Sorry it's taken me such a long time to get back to you, but I wanted to respond to your comment in a proper way.

In an effort NOT to answer your question properly, I have written the "Important update" to the original question, above. That should somehow answer your question.

But, to be a little bit more specific, don't you think there is a difference in the "level" or "quality" of awareness between human beings and chimps?

Martin - Marrakech

Posted: 08/March/2007 at 16:13 | IP Logged

I'm just bumping this up to the top of the list on the front page to keep it in focus. I've added a couple of updates above.

Martin - Dakar