Poem: On Being Human

On Being Human...

Introduction

In an age of instant answers and curated digital noise, we run the risk of losing the slow, human rituals that once shaped our minds - turning pages, writing by hand, learning with patience, and thinking for ourselves. This poem is a reminder that our humanity is not measured by the speed of our technology, but by the depth of our understanding, our compassion, and our willingness to stay awake in a world that tempts us with distraction and promises of instant gratification.

There is a quiet art to being human —

to learning slowly,

turning pages with intention,

letting ideas sink in at the pace

of real understanding.

To learn slowly is to forget slowly —

books imprint themselves gently

in ways that screens rarely can.

One reveals;

the other distracts.

There is a sanctuary in libraries —

cathedrals of paper and ink,

where knowledge rests patiently,

waiting for those who seek

not instant answers

but understanding.

Step inside,

and the world speaks softly.

There is beauty in penmanship —

the sweep of ink,

the honesty of handwriting,

each letter revealing the care,

clarity and presence

of the person who wrote it.

In a rushed world,

neat writing is a quiet act of respect.

There is dignity in how we meet each other —

not through labels or prejudice,

but through kindness, curiosity,

and a willingness to listen.

For every human being

carries unseen battles,

untold stories,

and a universe within them.

And yes —

the opposite of Artificial Intelligence

is Genuine Ignorance;

a reminder that tools without wisdom

can make us forget

what it means to truly think.

Beware the subtle hands

that seek to shape our beliefs,

the political currents

that pull at our choices,

the tactical votes

that speak in whispers of fear.

Stay awake.

Stay discerning.

For in the end,

what makes us human —

compassion, conscience, curiosity,

and the courage to read, reflect,

and think for ourselves —

must prevail,

not just for our sanity,

but for our shared humanity.

Adisha Kariyawasam

28th November 2025

#BeingHuman 🌿

#ReadReflectGrow 📚

#ThinkForYourself 💡

#EthicsInTheDigitalAge 🌐

#WisdomOverNoise 🕊️