mankind
The whole species
Mankind is the human race collectively—all people past, present, and future.
The word emphasizes humanity as a whole rather than individuals: one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.
Some avoid it as gendered, preferring humankind or humanity, though mankind has historically been understood as gender-neutral.
Beings destined to expire
- peopleHumans as a group
- personsIndividual humans, plural
- bipedalHaving two feet
- primatesOrder of higher mammals
mammals · hominids · genus · anatomy · physiology · genetics · DNA · chromosomes
Kinship among men
- solidarityUnity among allies
- fellowshipMutual goodwill among companions
- camaraderieGoodwill among companions
- togethernessState of close connection
cooperation · harmony · peace · oneness · kinship · bonding · interconnectedness · collective
Extended time spans
- erasNamed spans of history
- epochsDistinct historical stretches
- antiquityGreat age, ancient era
- prehistoryEra before writing
chronicles · annals · heritage · legacy · generations · ancestors · descendants · records
Those from whom one descends
- fossilsPreserved ancient organism traces
- DarwinBritish naturalist, species theorist
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- NeanderthalsExtinct European hominins
paleontology · bipedalism · speciation · primates · hominids · phylogeny · mutation · genetics
Forward movement or promotion
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
- discoveryAct of finding something
- innovationCreating something original
technology · science · enlightenment · growth · improvement · exploration · breakthrough · knowledge
Promoting welfare through compassion
- philanthropyGenerous giving for others
- altruismPrioritizing others' wellbeing
- empathySharing another's emotions
- compassionConcern for others' distress
charity · benevolence · goodwill · tolerance · dignity · rights · welfare · aid
Long-established customs passed down
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- artHuman creative expression
- musicOrganized auditory art
- literatureBody of written works
language · religion · philosophy · rituals · mythology · folklore · heritage · beliefs
Major populated areas
- infrastructureBasic physical systems
- urbanizationPopulation shift toward cities
- governmentAuthority over a state
- literacyAbility to read, write
agriculture · trade · architecture · empire · colonialism · feudalism · democracy · industrialization
mortals
Beings destined to expire
primates · mammals · hominids · genus · anatomy · physiology · genetics · DNA · chromosomes · genome
brotherhood
Kinship among men
- solidarityUnity among allies
- fellowshipMutual goodwill among companions
- camaraderieGoodwill among companions
togetherness · cooperation · harmony · peace · oneness · kinship · bonding · interconnectedness · collective · universality
ages
Extended time spans
prehistory · chronicles · annals · heritage · legacy · generations · ancestors · descendants · records · milestones
ancestors
Those from whom one descends
- fossilsPreserved ancient organism traces
- DarwinBritish naturalist, species theorist
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
Neanderthals · paleontology · bipedalism · speciation · primates · hominids · phylogeny · mutation · genetics · extinction
advancement
Forward movement or promotion
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
- discoveryAct of finding something
innovation · technology · science · enlightenment · growth · improvement · exploration · breakthrough · knowledge · learning
humanitarianism
Promoting welfare through compassion
- philanthropyGenerous giving for others
- altruismPrioritizing others' wellbeing
- empathySharing another's emotions
compassion · charity · benevolence · goodwill · tolerance · dignity · rights · welfare · aid · mercy
traditions
Long-established customs passed down
literature · language · religion · philosophy · rituals · mythology · folklore · heritage · beliefs · ceremonies
cities
Major populated areas
- infrastructureBasic physical systems
- urbanizationPopulation shift toward cities
- governmentAuthority over a state
literacy · agriculture · trade · architecture · empire · colonialism · feudalism · democracy · industrialization · invention