HUMANITY
“It n’y a, au fond, de reél que l’humanité.”
“Nothing at bottom is real except humanity.”
Auguste Comte, Système de Politique Positive
“Such is the human race. Often it does seem such a pity that Noah and his party did not miss the boat.”
Mark Twain
Do you need something to teach? Right now?
Have your students read Twain’s quote and answer the following question: Would you like to have Twain as a neighbor? Explain your reasoning.
See below for a list of short stories that explore the idea of humanity.
With Malice Toward None
Course: The American Civil War
Word Count: 496 words
Reading Level: secondary
Genre: historical fiction
Summary: In a country torn apart by Civil War, one doctor sees beyond the North and the South. He sees only a need – to care for the wounded soldiers.
A Delicious Moment
Course: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité
Word Count: 525 words
Reading Level: secondary
Genre: historical fiction
Summary: Based upon true events, this short story provides a fictional account of one of the bloodier episodes during the Reign of Terror (French Revolution).
The River
Course: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité
Word Count: 633 words
Reading Level: secondary
Genre: historical fiction
Summary: France is held in the throes of the Terror. In Paris, victims lose their heads to the guillotine. In other parts of the country, a more terrible fate awaits.
The Song
Course: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité
Word Count: 680 words
Reading Level: secondary
Genre: historical fiction
Summary: A mother and her young son are caught on the violent streets of Paris. Faced with a blood-thirsty mob, what will save them?