The "essentialness" of being human

So what is this essential?

What makes us human?

Humane?

Is it recognizing each other's weaknesses?

Or our strengths?

Helping someone fail?

Or giving in time of need?

Is it all of these things....some?

What makes us human....gives us this sense of humanity which encompasses all of who and what we are....races, creeds, religions, values....the totality of our thoughts, dreams, processes....

Could it be the soul?

Our spirit of giving?

The ability to believe in a Higher Power?

Embracing the sanctity of life in whatever form we take it to be?

Is it the way we love?

Hate?

Protect----

Our children?

The elderly?

How we can oh so easily smile, laugh, cry, scream--and revel in being this person whose free will gives reign to conquer this world...claim it to be our own....

To discover--

What makes us human?