Njeriut

Njeriu, in Albanian, refers to the human being or the person. The root form njeri means a person, while the definite singular njeriu means “the human being” or “the person.” The plural form njerëzit designates humans as a group. The term is used across everyday language, literature, philosophy, and the social sciences to discuss individuals and humanity as a whole.

Biology and taxonomy place humans within the species Homo sapiens. Humans are distinguished by a relatively large brain, complex language, and highly adaptable dexterity for tool use. Upright bipedal locomotion, long developmental periods, and extended learned culture contribute to the ability to create and share knowledge across generations. Humans exhibit substantial anatomical and genetic variation, yet form a single interbreeding species.

Behavior, culture, and society are central to the human condition. Humans live in diverse social groups and establish institutions such as families, communities, and governance structures. They develop symbolic systems—language, art, music, religion, and science—that organize experience, transmit knowledge, and shape values. Moral reasoning, self-awareness, and the capacity to reflect on past and imagined futures are commonly associated with personhood in philosophy and law.

Evolution and history trace the origin of Homo sapiens to Africa, with fossil and genetic evidence placing emergence around 300,000 years ago. From Africa, humans dispersed across the globe, later interbreeding with other hominins. The development of agriculture about 10,000–12,000 years ago spurred settled societies and civilizations, leading to rapid cultural, technological, and environmental changes that define the modern human condition.