Something that always annoys me is to hear some atrocity described as “inhuman”. Unless it was in fact committed by a non-human, then the use of this word is always unjustified. This is the basest form of self-indulgence. We want to reassure ourselves that we could never do whatever it is. The easiest way to do this is by separating them from us by making them “inhuman”.
The simple fact of the matter is that humans are in fact multi-faceted creatures. Some do terrible things, some do great things, some will only ever do average things, but all of these things will be of human origin.
Realistically, given the prevalence of atrocity and horror in the world, it would seem more appropriate label as “inhuman” those who do great good. It would give less false comfort, but be far more accurate.
The whole issue is based on our ongoing efforts to distance ourselves from our less evolved selves. We prefer to see ourselves as one step removed from other animals. We want desperately to believe that the laws of nature don’t apply to us. We are of course deluding ourselves.
The simple fact is: we are animals. The same instincts drive us as drive every other animal. To deny this is to deny ourselves the opportunity to understand our actions. Only through understanding can we seek ways to channel those energies more constructively. Instead of pretending to be something other than we are, we should accept our animal self as a part of us.
The key is not to suppress the instinctive side of ourselves, but to chose how we will use them. One of the keys to this is realizing that everything we do is done purely for ourselves. This is not to be confused with selfishness. You could give away your every possession and devote your life to caring for lepers, there will always be your own benefit at the root of it. Selfishness and selflessness are not so much roots of actions as external measures of our self-centric behaviors.
To be self-centric is not by default to be selfish. One can amass great wealth and power at the expense of those around them and this can have obvious benefits to oneself. Conversely, one can chose to live a simple life devoted service and the well-being of others. The high regards of others and their own pleasing self image provide rewards of a very different but equally valid sort. Each path is equally valid, as are all others. The key is to accept our inner animal and then choose what type of action we will take as humans to bring it the greatest benefit.
To do anything else would truly be “inhuman”.
Brain Bits To Go 