Faith in Humanity

April 18, 2017
Emmanuel F. Silan, PhD, RPsy
In our heart of hearts, we strive to do what is right; we don't have hearts full of darkness.

Have faith in humanity. We evolved and survived after hundreds of thousands of years through cooperation and altruistic acts. One can say that these characteristics are hardwired into our DNA. 

Almost all "evil" things done by humans come from fear - fear of hunger, scarcity, of being socially isolated, unloved, belittled, and ignored. Love of power also has its roots in fear. 

If we really think about it, why do we aspire for nobility? For giving our very best for self and others? For chivalry, duty, democracy, fairness, freedom, creativity, for reaching for the stars? It is because the good in us overwhelms the darkness within. The light within us cannot be contained. It needs to shine for self and others. So we continue fighting the good fight despite seemingly insurmountable challenges. 

In our heart of hearts, we humans strive to do what seems and feels right. Most humans don't have hearts full of darkness. 

When we focus on this "fact," on the light within us, and make those around us feel safe - emotionally, psychologically, and physically - we change ourselves for the better. And others change, unconsciously, for the better too. 

Humans can't help but be attracted to the light. It is easier for the heart to do so, despite the struggles we need to contend with; than for the heart to be seduced in evil deeds, for, deep within, we know there will be no peace of heart and mind - no matter how much wealth, power, and dominance we achieve.

Be brave. Have faith. And let us live this faith.

About the author

Emmanuel F. Silan, PhD, RPsy

Noel is a registered Psychologist and has taken his Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Ateneo de Manila. He is an NLP and Coaching Master Trainer certified by International Association of NLP Institutes (IN) and International Association of Coaching Institutes (ICI). He is an NLP-CBT Coach-Counselor, Transformative Psychotherapist, and a Hypnotherapist. He is currently taking a PhD in Psychology at Ateneo de Manila University with special interest on “Leadership Archetypes and the Filipino Unconscious” and on “Imprints of Pagkabalisa (Emotional Distress) on the Filipino Psyche: The Unconscious Map of Mental Suffering of Filipinos.”