human

Adjective

human (comparative more human, superlative most human)

1. (no comparative or superlative) Of or belonging to the species Homo sapiens or its closest relatives.
2. (comparable) Having the nature or attributes of a human being.

Synonyms

• mennish

Related terms

• humane
• humanitarian
• humanitarianism
• humanity

Humans, known taxonomically as Homo sapiens (Latin: "wise man" or "knowing man"), are the only living species in the Homo genus of bipedal primates in Hominidae, the great ape family. However, in some cases "human" is used to refer to any member of the genus Homo.

Humans have a highly developed brain, capable of abstract reasoning, language, introspection, and problem solving. This mental capability, combined with an erect body carriage that frees the hands for manipulating objects, has allowed humans to make far greater use of tools than any other species on Earth. Unlike any other known animal, humans possess higher forms of self-awareness, rationality, sapience, and intellect; it is because of these unique qualities that a human being is considered a person.

Like most higher primates, humans are social animals. However, humans are uniquely adept at utilizing systems of communication for self-expression, the exchange of ideas, and organization. Humans create complex social structures composed of many cooperating and competing groups, from families to nations. Social interactions between humans have established an extremely wide variety of values, social norms, and rituals, which together form the basis of human society. With individuals widespread in every continent except Antarctica, humans are a cosmopolitan species. As of August 2010, the population of humans was estimated to be about 6.8 billion.

Humans are noted for their desire to understand and influence their environment, seeking to explain and manipulate phenomena through science, philosophy, mythology and religion. This natural curiosity has led to the development of advanced tools and skills, which are passed down culturally; humans are the only species known to build fires, cook their food, clothe themselves, and use numerous other technologies.

Mitochondrial DNA and fossil evidence indicates that modern humans originated in Africa about 200,000 years ago.

People

Quotes about people

Sourced

• A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals, and you know it.
  • Agent K in the film Men in Black

• Show me a man or a woman alone and I'll show you a saint. Give me two and they'll fall in love. Give me three and they'll invent the charming thing we call 'society'. Give me four and they'll build a pyramid. Give me five and they'll make one an outcast. Give me six and they'll reinvent prejudice. Give me seven and in seven years they'll reinvent warfare. Man may have been made in the image of God, but human society was made in the image of His opposite number, and is always trying to get back home.
  • Glen Bateman, The Stand (C&U), 3rd paragraph of Chapter 42, by Stephen King

• I judge people by what they might be,—not are, nor will be.
  • Robert Browning, English poet. A Soul’s Tragedy, Act II

• The people will live on. The learning and blundering people will live on.
  • Carl Sandburg (1878–1967), American poet. The People, Yes (1936)