Human Nature

As we grow, we acquire traits from our peers and environment. These traits mold our behavior and relations with other people. It also has much to do on how one views the nature of man. Of course the nature of man has differences. We are not all the same. We can only cluster to those that have similar views upon the nature of man. Looking back through time, we can find three basic assumptions on human nature.  These common assumptions lead to various behavioral adaptations that one experience throughout life.

People have three common theories about human nature: humanistic, animalistic, or rational. This does not mean all people fall into one category, usually you can find people that fits in or the other, or just fits one. However the case may be surely you can gain some insight in yourself and others.

From the humanistic approach, a person is driven by humane concerns for self and others. They feel affection, mercy, and compassion. The humanistic individual is self-actualizing, meaning they seek for finding one's true potential. There is little outside control, since the humanistic individual will practice self-control through the concerns of themselves and others. 

Based on the Animalistic viewpoint, the nature of human beings is no different from that of the other animals that inhabit our planet. Driven by the biological urges and seeking gratification of those urges, human animals must be controlled by laws, morals,religion, and other forms of institutionalization. 

According to the rational theory, human beings are rational. Meaning they are inherently neither good nor evil. They are driven by intellect and reason. The individual is controlled by logical thinking and the judgement of the consequences of their actions to themselves and others. 

If we embrace the animalistic theory, we will probably approach others competitively and cautiously. We will feel the need to raise up our guard and protect ourselves. We will not trust people with information as it might be used against us. We search for ways as a society to control animalistic deviant behaviors. 

We put on a whole need pair of eyes when we view people in the humanistic approach. We will assume that people will not hurt us intentionally, therefore trusting them with information. We will be cooperative. The only control we will need in this case is knowledge. By being aware that you are doing something harmful, the humanistic person attempts to modify their behavior in accordance to one. 

If we view people as rational beings, we negotiate with them on a logical basis for mutually beneficial and compatible behaviors. We could discuss with them our feelings, attitudes, needs, and goals. We can work with them solving problems with reasonable and equal work. 

There is something about this that lets us explore ourselves deeply. One may find that one identifies with all three. When this is the case changing your nature, you have to separate the animal, rational, and human side of your soul, if you want to change one. Depending on which one you embrace you support more of the habits it entails. This could be used to help you personally grow, or help those around you grow as well. 

Till next time, Wholeness and Balance to all.