A human being is a complex, interactive entity that exists in a constantly changing relationship with its environment. By nature, humans are agents of agency, demonstrating the capacity for self-determination and agency in the pursuit of their own goals, desires and activities. These features come rooted in a spiritual, ethical and philosophical construct, giving rise to a sense of community, harmony and responsibility both in and beyond an individual’s own life. Through such relationships, humans form a unique set of cognitive functions, ranging from meaning-making, to social awareness, to the recognition of an inner self and its associated challenges. As a species, human beings are thus incredibly complex, diverse, and ever-changing, and yet these characteristics also form the basis for our unique capacity for self-reflection, creativity and deep relationships.

See also: consciousness, brain, reality, mind, human experience