As we close our gargantuan ETHOS series, we explore the theme of humanity...not just as a concept, but as a way of being. What does it mean to be truly human in a time when empathy can feel dangerous and dehumanization is common? We take a hard look at our capacity for compassion, our inclination toward “us vs. them” thinking, and how our values shape the way we show up in the world.

Drawing from stories, history, and modern examples, we unpack how honoring our shared humanity is the key to healing ourselves, our communities, and the systems we’re part of. This finale in our ETHOS series brings it all together, reminding us that the values that define a full life are the same values that make us more human.

1. 
   

   “In times of crisis, we must decide again and again whether to become more or less human.” – Terry Tempest Williams

   
   


2. 
   

   “The capacity for empathy is the distinguishing mark of humanity.” – J.M. Coetzee

   
   


3. 
   

   “The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy.” – Elon Musk

   
   


4. 
   

   “No more apologies for a bleeding heart when the opposite is no heart at all. Danger of losing our humanity must be met with more humanity.” – Toni Morrison

   
   


5. 
   

   “Dehumanization distances not only the out‑group from the in‑group, but those in the in‑group from their own humanity. It makes slaves to groupthink of everyone in the hierarchy.” – Isabel Wilkerson

   
   


6. 
   

   “What makes us human is not our mind but our heart, not our ability to think but our ability to love.” – Henri Nouwen

   
   


7. 
   

   “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man. “A Samaritan traveling the road came on him.When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’ “What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?” “The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded. Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”—Luke 10:25-37

   
   


8. 
   

   “This ain’t nothing, but it might be everything. And the paradox of that is, if I live like it’s everything, then I might actually live a life that’s so beautiful, it might be worth continuing for eternity.” – Ryan Meeks

   
   


9. 
   

   “When it comes to firefighters, there’s no borders…There’s nothing that’ll avoid us from helping another firefighter, another family. It doesn’t matter where we’re at in the world. That’s the whole point of our discipline and what we do.” – Ismael Aldaba