I might be completely misunderstanding what you’re saying, but it seems like you’re saying that, intrinsically, as human beings, we all deserve compassion. That is a common religious theme, seeing as many religions see people as God’s creations, which is a pretty special thing. But you’ve stated before that you aren’t religious, so where does this view come from? Why does everyone deserve compassion? (Note: I agree with you. I just don’t quite know why other than this gut feeling.)
I often have religious people ask me where my convictions and values come from, and for a long time I found that pretty insulting. The insinuation was that if I didn’t have an overseer telling me right from wrong, that I was somehow without the guidance necessary to live a non-depraved life.
This was a pretty stupid way to look at the situation. Now I understand that, of course, if your worldview and your values are based on religion, it would be unclear where the values of people who don’t have that thing come from.
My observation is that my values come from the exact same place as yours…living in the world and experiencing other people. When I observe religious people, I see them feel as if god and their holy books are a lens through which to discuss and understand the challenges we face as humans today. I’m sometimes envious of those lenses, as I feel like they allow for a focus that I don’t often have. Then again, occasionally that focus isn’t pretty.
And just because I’m not religious doesn’t mean religious ideas don’t resonate with me. There are a great number of wonderful ideas in religions from all over the world. One of the nice things about not being religious is that I get to pick and choose! I may not believe in god, but I’ve got a huge man crush on Jesus. He seems like a pretty cool dude.
I also have secular lenses through which to examine this stuff, though. I have found that humanity is marvelous. The beauty and complexity we have created is astounding and unique. And the majority of our decisions are based on love. You and I absolutely share a belief that being a human is a pretty special thing, from whence these beliefs spring, to me, is irrelevant.