Question

Please respond to this post with your own opinion, must be at least 150-250 words.

I was drawn to the question, "Are humans powerful or weak?" for many reasons; the first reason being that humans are a defined group of shared characteristics but that there are certainly drastic differences between many humans. So while I do think that some humans have a lot of power, there are humans with very little to no power; I'm thinking humans in poverty, humans of discriminated race and sex, humans in 3rd world countries, etc.. That being said, I think everyone has the power to do something, to be something, to change something, to make an effect on someone/something and in that sense all humans have the potential to be powerful; but having the potential to be powerful and being powerful are not the same.

The other reason I am drawn to this question is because sometimes I think the power we have as humans is also our weakness. And I think this in terms of environment and in humanity. We have the power and the choice to do what we want with the environment currently. However the poor choices we are making solely because, “we can”, are a huge weakness to our own survival. Maybe if there was competition from other animals and we didn’t have so much power to populate and spread we wouldn’t have caused extinction of animals or global warming.

In terms of humanity, I think the problem lies with the uneven distribution of power that leaves few powerful and all too many powerless. For example, America has the power to help refugees and undocumented immigrants, whom have so little power over everything in their lives; yet we choose to use our power to turn these humans away. I understand we can’t help everyone and we certainly all can’t “be even.” But who gets to decide who has power and who doesn’t?

Answer 1

Are humans powerful or weak?

Humans are powerful, with limitations. Humans are weak, with the ability to overcome weaknesses.

The part where humans are powerful

Yes, as your argument suggests humans are indeed powerful, more so because of the cognitive capabilities that we possess compared to other animals on earth. And yes, irrespective of where or in what situation a human is in (poverty, third world countries etc.,), a human is capable of bringing about changes around him/her just by using the cognitive and physical capabilities.

The way we are designed biologically is a great advantage in itself. Our biological system, the human body as such is built to endure and our medical advancements are only helping us extend our lifespan further.

Our ability to transform the world with so many technological, scientific and medical advancements is a testament to our abilities and capabilities as a powerful animal. Our ability to think and make choices has led us to where we are today. We are capable of being all-powerful by being kind, compassionate and understanding towards all beings on earth. The need to address the social issues, the climate change, eradication of life-threatening illnesses, fight for equality, the abolition of racism and slavery, all show that there is some good left in the powerful human beings and that this power can be put to good use.

The part where humans are weak

Humans are weak when it comes to thinking of self-preservation with lack of respect for anything that does not threaten us. Global warming and climate change are great examples. Extinction of species is also an example. Just because they directly do not benefit us, we've been treating them with utter ignorance. This is already beginning to show by affecting the food chain and causing havoc to the environment.

Humans are weak when it comes to making the worst choices. There is a lot of political ambition, greed for money and power, and lust for material things that cloud clear thinking. When thinking is clouded, worst decisions are taken. Some of these decisions are irreversible and cause lasting damage. This proves that humans are not all powerful and require the support of fellow animals, especially in matters of sustenance. When all is well in our place, we don't think of the people who suffer. It is important that we have ethical and moral values instilled in order to overcome weaknesses. There is nothing we can do about our physical limitations, but when it comes to mind related matters, we still have hope.