What differentiates human beings?

If we look at the vegetal world, we can see an enormous difference between a blade of grass and a sequoia. In the animal world, there is a giant leap between an ant and a giraffe. But in humans, where is all this difference? Well, the answer lies inside.

Someone who commited an awful crime is, in appearance, very similar to Plato, Suddharta and Jesus. What is, then, the difference? It lies in our level of consciousness.

Plants and animals are all the time acting in accordance to their purpose and doing what is expected from them: engaging in photosynthesis, reproduction and survival. But are we doing what is expected from us as human beings? Do we even realise we are here to do something - learn, evolve, overcome, become?

If, as the Hermetists teach, the Universe is mental, we realise that the first step in our path to accomplish our purpose lies in our minds. More specifically, in learning how to use it, and not be used by it. For that, meditation is an invaluable tool.