How Does Elvis Varty Define Humanity?

On January 30, I watched the TED Talk of Boyd Varty, environmental and literacy activist. He explains Africa is a place where people, animals and ecosystems teach us about a more interconnected world. Specifically, he claimed that not only humans possess humanity, but animals also possess this trait. Varty introduces the idea of ubuntu which means “ I am because of you. Or, people are not people without other people.” As he said, “Now although the root word is about people, I thought that maybe ubuntu was only about people” but that was subject to change after he met Elvis and her herd. Although some people believe that Elvis with deformed legs and pelvis would of die in a matter of days, Varty insisted “for the next five years she returned in the winter months.” He stated “a consensus developed between all of us who were guiding people in that area that herd was in fact moving slower to accommodate that elephant” to support the claim of animals possessing humanity. In addition, he says “and it is not only through other people that we get to experience our humanity but through all the creatures that live on this planet.” In sum, his view is that
In my view animals are needed to understand humanity. Elvis’s herd exemplifies humanity because of their compassion, kindness, and consideration to accommodate her because of her deformity. In addition, stories like Elvis shows that “natural connection with the natural world and with animals.” Some might object to animals containing traits of humanity, of course, on the grounds that humanity can only be possessed by humans. Yet I would argue that humanity can be possessed by anyone or anything that is considerate, kind, and compassionate for others without seeking any gratitude for it. Overall, I believe the word or the trait “humanity” shouldn’t just be associated with humans--an important point given that most humans commit the most inhumane things