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I do not disagree that our ability to pass on knowledge and "...culture, education, specific instruction, ideas..." is one of the things that defines what it means to be human. I do think that another part of the essence of what it means to be human is to have the ability to wonder what it is to exist or to be question why we are here or even look for meaning in our life when there are no answers. The animals or the world, as far as we can know, do not question the face that they are alive. All they do is grow up without trying anything new. Humans have developed an interesting and complex society then has more or less forced us to interact with each other. There is a quote the perfectly captured the meaning of this, and that is: 

We all as individuals find meaning and fell validated through others and only when they are told that we are important or special do we feel like we are. Some people find it in having a lot of money, or through the recognition of the masses. To them it must feel wonderful to have the adoration and attention of hundreds of millions of people and through that they feel like their life had meaning. Others find it by being a doctor or therapist and changing other people's lives in a desperate bid to fuel their need to continue with their own life's. 

There is no universal definition to the question what does it mean to be human, because it is what the individual finds meaning in that creates their meaningful live and a live worth living. Some examples include: DaVinci found meaning in life by expanding his knowledge in every field possible in his time and as a result he became one of the most knowledgeable men of his era. Charles Monet found meaning in being an artist. Of course, there are a plethora of other examples, but the key point is that every single individual has their own path to tread in the world and there is no single right way or one answer to that question.  

There is a game the hits on this very point through a speech made at the end of the game. This was spoken by the main character Ezio Auditore. "Silenzio. Silenzio. Twenty-two years ago, I stood where I stand now – and watched my loved ones die, betrayed by those I had called friends. Vengeance clouded my mind. It would have consumed me, were it not for the wisdom of a few strangers, who taught me to look past my instincts. They never preached answers, but guided me to learn from myself. We don't need anyone to tell us what to do; not Savonarola, not the Medici. We are free to follow our own path. There are those who will take that freedom from us, and too many of you gladly give it. But it is our ability to choose – whatever you think is true – that makes us human... There is no book or teacher to give you the answers, to show you the path. Choose your own way! Do not follow me, or anyone else."