Humanity, a reality we share-in

Humanity is a reality we being humans share-in, rather than contribute-towards.  

When speaking of in terms of contributing-towards, the drawback is that if one does not contribute towards it the total is less by that single contribution.  The deficiency in humanity is due to those not contributing towards its total pool.  As such what is diminished is the overall humanity - not the individual self who did not contribute towards it.  On the other hand, when speaking of in terms of 'share-in' when one does not share-in the existing realm of humanity what is impoverished is not the reality of humanity itself but the individual who desists sharing-in.  

However, two misconceptions that can arise when we speak of 'share-in': that humanity pre-dates us  and that it is something that exists by itself (pre-existing and independent of ourselves).  Transcendent?  The reality is exactly opposite - humanity does not transcend human borders. It is only within the realm of human beings that one can speak of humanity.  It is true that one can speak of humanity being inspired by the divine or humanity reaching out to the animals, but these are aspects where humanity is relating to rather than 'leaving' the boundary of us human beings.  The sum total of humanity - a very bad way of putting it - evaporates into thin air without us, human beings.  

Another aspect: sharing-in incorporates contributing-towards.  The other way need not always be possible or effective.  The fact that I share-in something will naturally lead me to contribute-towards it - in and through innovative ways.  The fact that I contribute-towards need not always mean I fully and whole-heartedly associate with it or see that which I contribute towards as integral to my identity.  Eg.: volunteering vs random acts of charity.  

Now as to why this thought kept plaguing me this morning:  Can I speak of language too in this manner?