What is our human nature? Is it to inherently destroy the people around us, flagrantly disregarding any individual but ourselves? Or is it a spirit of compassion, to reach out to our fellow man and ask three of the most striking words in the English language, "Can I help"?

Last week's horrific events brought examples of both sides of our humanity. It is difficult for many of us to imagine the absolute hatred in the minds and hearts of those responsible for the devastation of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. To commit to a cause so evil and malevolent is beyond our wildest dreams, or, more appropriately, nightmares.

However, what has risen from this atrocity is far greater that the hardened hearts that harbored the iniquity we have recently witnessed. The United States, so long considered dormant in matters of nationalism, has become visibly united. We are once again America- the free, the brave and the proud. A nation shaken, but not shattered, we have not only asked if we can help, but stepped up and asked how we can help.

We gave a part of our vitality to the many blood banks across the nation. We sent our dollars for relief efforts in New York and Washington, D.C. We looked to our firemen and policemen, the tireless heroes working to save those who would otherwise be strangers. We bowed our heads in prayer, lighting candles and asking our God to console those who are mourning. We at Notre Dame and Saint Mary's filled the Grotto with light and prayers. We proudly raised American flags in front of our homes- a quiet, powerful reminder of the solidarity of our nation.

These actions are not merely a demonstration of human nature- they are an expression of the American spirit. We have banned together with the strength of patriotism and brotherhood that cannot be found in any other country. On Tuesday morning our own problems became insignificant. Why? Because something horrible happened to our own- and we took it personally. We do not merely empathize with those directly affected by this violent incident- we become them. We are the rescuers, the donors and humanitarians and we refuse to let adversity stand in our way.

A part of our nation has fallen, but we will emerge from the rubble victorious. Regardless of any military action we may see in the near future, we have won. We have a human nature brimming with compassion and goodwill that has emerged unscathed, despite a horrific attempt to destroy it. Our nature is what makes us free. It is what makes us American.

Email: jbrowder@nd.edu

• We have won