Inspired by ALBERT SCHWEITZER'S guiding principle of reverence for life, Pulitzer Prize-winning author JACK MILES, Nobel Peace Prize winner ELIE WIESEL, former chief of the Cherokee nation WILMA MANKILLER, musician CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE, poet NAOMI SHIHAB NYE, actor JAMES EARL JONES, MOTHER TERESA, and many others transcend differences of religion, race, profession, and sexuality to intimately explore the common ground of his or her humanness. In essays, poems, meditations, and prayers, each contributor writes freely of his or her connection to a spiritual other, the environment, art, or other humans. In so doing, each one confirms that our humanness is most evident in relationships that bridge our isolation. Linked together, each essay becomes more than its individual voice and part of a rich chorus affirming that we are never alone.

Recognizing our differences while embracing our commonality, What Does It Mean to Be Human? is an inspiring act of faith and hope and an essential part of the ongoing dialogue about the challenges and responsibilities we will face together in our rapidly changing society.