Human Nature: A Compilation of Many Definitions

“Human nature is that which makes us distinctly human. Our nature is distinct from that of the animals and the rest of creation in that we can think and feel. One of the chief distinctions between human beings and the rest of creation is our ability to reason,” (Gotquestions). The definition of human nature is the general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans. The nature of mankind is that we are naturally selfish and self-centered, we all are sinners.

“and vitiated the humane Nature, there us bot so much the more Reason and Necessity for Government among Creatures that are become so very weak, and depraved.” Locke understands what he says, but he has more of a mind to think humans are more than weak and depraved.

To explain this deeper, Locke believes that all men are born free of any sort of government, ruler or law. The “laws of nature” are rules that have been established naturally as a result of people’s attempt at stabilizing a moral path. A man being born free applies to politics and society because the government has the right to tell a man what to do through a set of laws if he does not want to do it. Locke also mentions how people live in “a state of equality in which no-one has more power and authority than anyone else” (Locke 3). With this quote, Locke wants people to know that everyone is born equal in terms of “abilities” (Locke 4) and being made by the same maker, God (Locke 4). Being equal emphasizes and reinforces the first example because if we are all made the same way and are capable of the same abilities, then people cannot rule over others and humans have the option to obey the laws set by the government. Locke applies his views on human nature to the construction of the government by saying, “The only way anyone can strip off his natural liberty and clothe himself in the bonds of civil society is for him to agree with other men to unite into a community, so as to live together comfortably, safely, and peaceably, in a secure enjoyment of their properties and a greater security against outsiders” (Locke 32). Locke expects that the formation of the government should be decided

Human nature and the mind have been studied for ages. As humans, we think, feel, and act in certain ways which are often elucidated by nature and evolution. Throughout history, psychologists, philosophers, and scientists extensively studied human nature and the mind to develop theories about why humans act, think, and feel the way that we do. Some people believe humans are how they are due to nature. People tend to think that human beings are born one of three ways: naturally good, naturally evil, or neutral.

Locke’s idea of the state of nature is that everyone is equal to everyone. He states that, “the state of nature is also the state of equality, wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal, no one having more than another..” (Locke) Locke however, does not think that this leads the people to war. He thinks that the state of nature is NOT equal to the state of war, but there is a chance of it becoming the state of war. He says that the person who committed the crime against a certain person puts himself in the state of war with that

Thus showing mankind’s true colors or in other words the truth about itself. In essence, the truth within human nature there is aspects such as curiosity and fear,it could lead man to develop traits such as avarice and prejudice or worst of all temptation. This aspects of human nature can all come with a lack of understanding when faced with enigma’s.All of these traits inherited from humanity’s ancestors stimulate mankind to commit transgressions and have a sinful nature.Human nature has been referred throughout texts such as the Bible ,which dates back to ancient times and plausibly the origins of life. The origin of man’s nature starts there.

From my time spent during this semester in this course and through all the readings, lectures, and discussions, I found that the fundamental idea of human nature is evident throughout most of the topics we have covered. The roots of human nature are sunk deep into our history and experiences and to find the source of our own human nature; we must essentially look to our initial years of living. Human nature is formed by what society teaches an individual, by what parents have taught them, and an individuals own unique experiences. However, if within in the life of an individual the scars left by a conflict exists, then another individual unaffected by conflict will be less negatively affect than the latter.

Locke's state of nature consists of a state of perfect equality where no individual holds power over another and has the freedom to act as they please. This is significant because it portrays how human beings would behave in nature before the emergence of civil society. While he does agree that human nature is free, we are still bound by something in the state of nature. He states, "But though this be a state of liberty, yet it is not a state of license (6)." This means that while humans do not have the right to destroy other individuals, they also do not have the right to destroy themselves either. Locke provides a detailed justification for this.

Locke argues for property rights and the natural rights of humankind to preserve himself/herself by eating, drinking and using natural resources. By self-preserving and using these resources, one has rights over property (food, water or resources). His philosophy also states that humans voluntarily create society (humans are naturally free and independent) and although inclined to respect natural moral laws (freedom from harm and want for peace), need an organized government to preserve natural laws. Preservation of natural laws is needed because in reality, humans can take advantage of each other and cause conflict.

By observing and analyzing the context of previous time periods, anthropology was certainly not created by accident or mistake. At the end of the 18th century, the Enlightenment period was occurring. This produced two products during the time period. First, humans were able to possess a newfound understanding of general principals in which the world works. They wanted to know all about universal human nature, such as why all human beings are alike. Secondly, out of the Enlightenment, we have an intellectual ability to understand the world through science. Defined, science is an empirical methodology in which accurate descriptive data is logically analyzed, resulting in defensible, logical conclusions. The dilemma with answering the

    According to Locke, the ‘State of Nature’ is the condition that humans are in before there is any government. Locke believes that everyone was equal, because they were all creations of God and that they all live in peace. He believed that no one should harm another 's life, liberty or possessions. People must submit themselves over to the sovereign and consent to the laws enforced by them to enter into the ‘Political Society’. The people did this to insure the protection of their properties; their life, liberty, and estate. However, the people can overthrow the sovereign if the laws become unjust.

Human nature is difficult to define but can be summed up as the innate characteristics and traits that all human beings are born with, which is free from culture influence. What these characteristics and traits are, is often cause for debate as it is a general belief that these should apply to everyone. However the problem lies in the fact that no two humans are the same therefore reaching a unanimous decision on what human nature is, is near enough impossible. Over the years three ideologies have emerged as the leading theories on human nature; conservatism, classical liberalism and Marxism. The three have their own differing views on what the basis of human nature is. These

Human nature refers to the characteristics that identify people. In this case, it involves thoughts, feelings, and behavior that are manifested by individuals and independent of culture. Furthermore, human nature is important when it comes to politics, ethics, and religious perspectives of a particular group of people. This is due to the fact that it presents both positive and negative norms that aid to shape or destroy the society. Moreover, the study of human nature is boosted by the findings of philosophers such as Aristotle, Hobbes, and Socrates. Additionally, Charles Darwin devised theories that remain significant to its interpretation and understanding. In East Asia, countries such as China and Korea acknowledge that humans are naturally good or evil. In this respect, researchers such as Chan Chung and Ying Pin dictate that these desires exist interchangeably. For instance, good people may become evil if their desires and wishes are not met. Similarly, daily encounters and activities may end up streamlining the evil. Moreover, the concept of human nature is cemented and reinforced by religious beliefs. For instance, countries such as Korea, Japan, and Taiwan embrace Buddhism and regard it as their major religion. In this case, Buddhists believe that doing and participating in morally-upright activities is important for their well-being. Also, it enables them to advance and realize the benefits of enlightenment. Considering the above information, this study aims to

Needless to say, Locke’s view of man was more more light. He believed that man needed more leeway. He believed that humans needed a chance to govern themselves before someone

How can one truly expect to speculate through wild and whirling words the overwhelming complexity that is human nature? It is undoubtedly one of the more daunting tasks that one can choose to take on, and yet it is far from unprecedented. As human beings, we are fascinated by our own thoughts and tendencies, and the manner in which we conduct ourselves during our short time on earth. It is a topic that has never ceased to fascinate us, for as many aspects of it that remain unchanging throughout the centuries, there are just as many that seem incapable of remaining consistent. Some of the greatest philosophers of history dedicated their lives to this enigma of humanity, and through their minds and words have seen that human nature is a product of both nature itself and the imperative nurturing of other human beings; and that while it may be one of the most complicated notions we will ever face, there are innate truths that cannot be contravened.