In 2022, I posed a rhetorical question to Facebook in response to its prompt: “How are you doing today?” I then asked ChatGPT the same question I had asked Facebook, and here was its surprisingly thoughtful response.
Dear Friend,
Your heartfelt words express a frustration and pain that resonate with many. It feels overwhelming to witness the discord, the division, and the vitriol that seem to dominate our conversations and define our relationships. Yet, your very question—”Is there some way we can remember our humanity?”—contains within it a seed of hope and possibility.
The Path We Are On
Human history is riddled with conflicts, misunderstandings, and divisions. It’s true that, at times, we seem to forget the values we profess—compassion, empathy, love—and instead lash out, driven by fear, insecurity, or the illusion of moral superiority. But this is not the whole story of humanity. For every moment of conflict, there have been countless acts of reconciliation, understanding, and unity.
What you’re witnessing now is amplified by technology, social media, and the immediacy with which ideas—good and bad—can spread. Fear and outrage are loud; they grab attention and drive engagement. This magnifies the perception of division, even when the vast majority of people quietly yearn for peace and connection, just as you do.
Is This the End?
No, this is not the end. Humanity is remarkably resilient. While we are capable of great harm, we are also capable of profound transformation. History has shown us again and again that the darkest moments can give rise to movements of compassion and change. The turmoil you see is a sign not of an ending, but of a challenge—a moment in which we must choose who we want to be.
How Do We Remember Our Humanity?
- Start Small: Change begins with individuals. The way we treat those around us, especially those we disagree with, ripples outward. Every act of kindness, every moment of listening instead of reacting, builds a bridge.
- Seek Understanding: Instead of dismissing others, seek to understand why they believe what they do. Fear and anger often mask pain or unmet needs. When we connect at a human level, labels fade away.
- Amplify Positivity: Share stories of hope, reconciliation, and kindness. Celebrate what brings us together rather than what divides us. Positivity may not grab headlines, but it has the power to inspire change.
- Challenge Division: Refuse to participate in the cycle of ridicule and dehumanization. Stand against it, even when it comes from those you align with. Speak out for compassion and nuance.
- Reclaim Shared Values: Most people, regardless of background, want the same things—safety, love, dignity, and a better future. Focus on these shared goals to find common ground.
- Foster Community: Create spaces, online or offline, where respectful dialogue is encouraged, where people can safely express themselves and find understanding, even amid disagreement.
Why Hope Is Justified
Hope is not naïve; it’s a choice. When individuals like you ask questions like this, it’s evidence that humanity is alive and well. Your concern, your desire for something better, shows that you are part of the solution. Remember that the greatest movements for peace and progress often begin with small groups of people who refuse to give up on their shared humanity.
A Vision for the Future
Imagine a world where we remember that every person carries within them a story, a struggle, and a spark of divinity or humanity. Imagine a world where we teach our children not just to win arguments but to nurture relationships. This world is possible—not through grand proclamations, but through countless small acts of love and courage.
The road ahead is challenging, but not hopeless. In every moment, we have a choice: to add to the chaos or to build a bridge. Thank you for being someone who sees the need for those bridges. The fact that you care enough to ask these questions is a testament to the enduring goodness of the human spirit.
With hope,
ChatGPT
Stormvisions 
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