The value of the potential of the human being in extreme situations

Is there anything more moving than seeing the potential of human beings in action in extreme situations? Surely there is. There are so many moving things in our lives… But there is something deeply exciting and moving about the altruistic actions of human beings in extreme situations. Situations in which fear, danger and the much-feared uncertainty live.

Karl Jaspers (1883–1969), German psychiatrist and philosopher, already delved into and wrote about extreme situations (Grenzsituationen) in his time. He defined them as those situations presented to human beings in which a curious paradox occurs. They are situations that seem like labyrinths with no exit, but that, at the same time, contain within themselves the possibility of being overcome. They are contradictory situations with which life surprises us. Crucial moments in which, despite the horror of uncertainty, we can see the meaning of our life outlined more clearly. Everything that gives meaning and meaning to our existence.

The potential of the human being lives in extreme situations.

Normally, it is in extreme situations when the human being finds himself facing himself without masks and without defenses. Survival now prevails. Finding a way out of this labyrinth that has just been presented to us.

It seems that in these situations human beings are also capable of bringing out the best in themselves.. He is capable of cooperating and collaborating with others, with the companions with whom he is living this extreme experience. On many occasions the potential of the human being flourishes with enormous energy in these types of situations.

People who save others even though their integrity is in real danger. That in the face of a natural disaster they come together to safeguard their well-being and that of others. People who go to conflict zones to help with whatever is necessary. Human beings who mobilize to protect the most defenseless being: without any other interest, without any other will.

We find meaning in life when we are in contact with the best of ourselves

There are many examples that show that it is possible to get the best out of yourself in extreme situations. That can be built on darkness and rubble. Being useful to others is a very valuable need that lives within us. Being able to help the other person in what we do best is a comforting caress to the soul.

In these types of situations, in which uncertainty reigns and the precipice gains height, everything is outlined more clearly. The possible solutions and alternatives to the conflict (internal or external) are seen with greater precision than would exist if there were no urgency to act.

Victor Frankl spoke, in turn, of finding meaning in one’s existence through adverse situations. Carl Rogers also spoke about the potential of the human being. They both fully trust in our potential. In its valuable power to make our existence more full, authentic and in tune with our environment.

After the shocks and uncertainty, the flourishing of the human being

It is amazing and encouraging to see how people, even damaged, can flourish after living extreme experiences. How they learn what they want in their lives and what they want to do without. How, finally, they discover their abilities, the most genuine and until then hidden.

It is as if after the great shock of life they found the purest and most idiosyncratic potential that lies within them. And after finding it, they decided to live after it. Without losing it along the way. Showing and sharing with other humans what is most genuine and beautiful in them.

Surely you can think of a person who was reborn. Someone who built herself after an experience similar to those discussed above. That person who, after that experience, has painted her life with other colors. And a kind of indescribable serenity appears in her. A serenity that nourishes and gives meaning to your present. The good thing is that that person is or will be in us too.

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