Questions of Human Nature

[Yoshi]

I've been talking to people, a lot of people, and as hard as that might be to believe a lot 'em seem to think that they have this whole human nature thing figured out. So instead of having it all be thrown about in private it might be interesting to have it thought about here.

So, do you think humans are inherently equal and, if so, in what ways and on what basis? Can they be unequal? Are they more individuals or is everything they know and think and feel a product of society?

Is our most basic purpose in life to be
• happy, maximizing personal pleasure and minimizing personal pain
• good, developing our human potential and character
• successful, accomplishing a series of projects
• rich, accumulating great material goods and wealth
• famous, or at least recognized as a person with a particular identity
• loving and loved in return, like within a family
• helpful, serving others and the community
• serene, attaining freedom from desire, or
• holy, serving God?

There are so many more possibilities than these, but many seem to be based around those themselves. How do you figure out which one is right or which one motivates us the most?

[Fluory]

Haha, living for Jesus.

To simplify life in a single purpose is quite a foolish task. Why settle for less when you can have more? Relegating life to one theme is simply limiting possibilities to what could be done or seeked. I think that if one were to do this, this would seriously cripple their ability to accept and to accept any form of change.

For instance, what I currently want out of life falls into a good many of those categories. No honest desire to serve God, to become rich, or serene -- but most of the others fit into something I want to gleam from life. What I want from life is where my interests lay -- interests that will, perhaps change. And why stop such change if it makes me happy? Defining life on simple ideal or moral isn't what could, perhaps, be most pleasing to yourself in the end.

Are humans inherently good? What, they are? No, not really. What exactly is good, anyway? When you get right to it, you can't really truly justify why something is right or something is wrong. Indeed, society is a great help in definging "right or wrong;" we tend to adopt and unquestioningly uphold (or try to) morals and ideals presented to us within society. But really, why is killing someone wrong? Stealing? Adultery? You can't honestly justify or condemn any of these when you get right down to it.

"It's not biologically correct."
"God said not to."
"It just is."

None of these are incredibly viable arguments when you get down to the sense of things. Why does everything need to be biologically correct? God is a myth. Why is it just is?

What's right or wrong is not dictated by a universal set of principles in that somethingorother really is wrong/right, but rather by the morals and beliefs one lives by. If you think stealing is better than sliced bread, then it is. Because there is probably no way to reason someone out of this belief -- sure, it's possible, but whilst the person believes that then there is no other reason to assume otherwise.

Every concept and idea is neutral in a sense -- the right or wrong only comes in when another's beliefs are projected onto it.

I can say that adultery in certain senses is entirely right and dandy whilst murder is wrong and be entirely correct. Why? Because that's how I believe it to be. Would other people think I'm entirely right there? No, probably not.

As much as I'd like to say that we are more individuals, this simply is not true. You'll have your cliques, you'll have your bible thumpers (as all religion is, when you get right down to it, a society in and of itself), you'll have your people entirely swayed by their public image. You'll have your people that are affected by such society things to greater and lesser extents -- the lesser the extent the better, as I'd say.

But a great majority of how we base our lives and live our lives are determined by society. You pretty much have to live in society and interact with it if you want to have funds, friends, or anything most commonly associated with living a "normal" life. A lot of how we act and react is determined by our society -- certain ideals and whatnot being impressed upon us and taught to us from a young age.

And, to an extent, we are individuals, as well. It all depends on how much society's game gets to our heads -- how far we'll buy into their morals and glamor. We have the ability to reason and think; we have the ability to look beyond what society has presented us; we have the ability to know who we, ourselves, truly are. Whether or not we do these things or how far we deviate from what is known is an individual decision entirely.

Although on another note, change is a great thing. Change shouldn't be accepted and embraced completely; in fact, questioning just about anything is always great. But at the end of the day, they who change and try the most have the most knowledge.

---

Man, I remember having these kinds of debates with my English teacher. It was awesome, despite the fact I was just about the only person talking. I'll probably think of some other points to add eventually.

[Lord of the Dance]

Maybe a mix of all of them? It really depends on the type of person you are.
I think we all work towards being happy, but that comes in different ways. Maybe being "good" is your idea of becoming happy- maybe loving others and being loved in return.

Yeah, all people are equal. It may be hard to believe, but we all have certain rights. Priviledges are what make us seem unequal. Like, the luxury of a comfy bed and TV wouldn't be granted to people who don't work for them- like criminals.
Being totally individual is hard, because there's so many people that you're bound to be like another in at least one way. Society makes an impact on you, too, but society affects us all in different ways.

It's kinda hard to talk about human nature and make sense.

[Yoshiken]

In my opinion, all matters of life are founded upon the basis of free agency. It all comes down to the choices you make in life, and understanding the consequences that come with those choices.

We all have the ability to be equal, but society and the choices we make alter that equality and change its equilibrium. Now when I say that we all have the ability to be equal, I don't mean that we all have the same skills, or talents, or life roles. I mean that we are all equal in being able to reach desired goals.

I believe that general morals and virtues are something we are born with. Principles of good and bad aren't made by society, they are standards that we have had an understanding of ever since we came into existence. Society, peers, and families can try to mold those ideals to an extent, however, it is ultimately up to our agency when making perceptions on what morals we follow. Your actions are your fault, and your fault only.

I wish I could explain my opinion with those purposes of life individually, but I have to leave in a few minutes XD. I will say this though. You can determine if the purpose you decide to follow is right if it builds up your personality and character, without negatively affecting yourself or other individuals. Always keep your mind open to what people express to you, for it will always pay off in the long run. Personal reflection when deciding what paths you desire to take in this life can always help as well ^^.

And now I gotta get going, even though I wish to discuss this more.

[Contention]

This is where one, as ourselves, must certainly question: Do human beings entirely live for something? Or is "something" itself, more of a mere dream than it is reality?

When you are bred and born, many have mentioned that the mind is clearly innocent. It has yet to fully create an understanding of life; its habits, and its consequences. Coincidentally, as the body ages; so does the intelligence of every creature. Not all through the education of school; but by experience, from society. We are embraced more by the world around, than we are of "Algebra, English, and Science". In seamless methods; it can be remarked that society has forever been an imprint in the side of humanity. Before the 20th century, before the media; life was embellished deeply through faith. Your thoughts and your beliefs were beneath one guideline; that which strewed to religion, that which held the robe in its hands.

America was built on the hilts of religious faith (Yet, in scenario; it was established along with the need of trade and creations of towns and facilities). Puritan communities were lifted; along with churches and their doctrine. Why? The answer to the question remains in the hatred of Catholics; those home-grown in the fields of Europe. Puritan beliefs battered the remains of Catholicism. Often times wrapping around their words, and changing them completely; this was often seen as a threat. Something that drew blood from the lips of clergymen: the Church of England. Catholics became enemies with the rising Christian helm; debating with their hopes, their dreams. Enough to shatter them from the shore; and ride them into far lands. Where, in hopes, the Puritans wished to roam freely. Free they would be, if for a short time.

The example, though cut, is displayed for one reason alone. Puritans traveled distances, miles, only to achieve an abode where they could construct their own means. They ran from their civilization, and hid in the wilderness. Such beliefs were cast aside; they threatened the way of European life. They were disordered, they were rancid; they were heretics, and expulsion was the only choice of command. In the darkness, they rebuilt; whisking themselves to new heights; the only heights in which they could soar. A religion, a whole mask of people; thrown away, due to their train of conscience. Their wishes, their ideas, all were perceived in distasteful manners. Was it wrong, not to live for God as the Catholics did? What did it go against, and why were the Puritans so heavily digested?

Throughout the past; before media held key: rumor was the only source of action. What the people said, is what you did. At those times, and even in today's overrunning sewers; religion is the only door-knob. Our eyes have always perceived it as the golden handle; gleaming and beaming in metal smear; whisking past the eyes, into the skull. Where it sits, and manifests, and becomes a part of all. A man, in those days, lived to serve his lord; those who dare to go against it, were bound to wind up in places none would send their furthest disgrace. But what entirely has faith brought us? What, in society, has faith construed? Was it love, was it nature? Was it the Earth around? It couldn't be, faith is none of those things. Faith, is merely science; but without truth, without proper finding. It is merely thinking, and running with the idea. Like Saying that you are wearing shoes, when you are not, and still believing it.

Who created Religion, and why? These answers, among others; are still somewhat curious, difficult to pinpoint. Yet, it can be acquired that most holy texts and doctrines were not written from prophets. Their saviors and disciples did little to manage such scripts; the writings themselves are mere replicas of an everyday religious mind. They are sewn together, in the palms of monks; laid out on the table, and virtue is spared. When opening the Bible, the Torah, and the Koran: you may view stories of each "prophet", from their journeys to their tribulations. You'll hear every little detail, and every shining grain of sand. It enters the mind, and meditates; it takes control, and it purifies the soul. Or at least, so the average religious extremists would come to entail. Yet, without question: holy texts are reprimanded in the eyes of those sold to faith; it is bias, it is not fair, and it leaves out equality. Opinion runs through its spine, and flows onto every page. Right and wrong, in the words of the Lord; are right and wrong, in the words of some, fellow man.

If you were to list the positives of religion entwined with life; the examples might come wide or short. It falls somewhere between your faith, and how willing you are to dig for the research. Wars, inevitably; have sprung from countless faucets. Those over land, those over honor, and those over religion. Holy warfare is not foreign, even in today's time; our own allies focus on depleting those who dare to not believe. We run with the idea that we are saved not by ourselves, but by some God. Yet, it is not God who builds the machines; it is not God who grows the food. It is not God that drives the car, and it is not God whom lies in bed every night. Such is you, and such is what everyone should live for. Not false fantasies; not illusions, not metaphors. They best to live for themselves, to underline their bodies with their own thoughts; and if such is faith, then so be it. But the spread of faith, should not endure from the tongues of those following. The mind, in itself, should find its own socket and take plug. No other resource is needed, no other influence is required. When you read something, you define meaning on your own; you analyze as you see proper. There is no professor to guide your eyes, no wit to fall into your lap. You must take what you know, and use it as it flows; as the water bounces down the river.

Then, what exactly do we live for? And, in that same answer; there was a person, who once defined it best.

We live, for every inch of our bodies; and in that essence, this is how we are born. The second you open your eyes, your first thought is not religion, it is not sex, and it is not society. No, it's none of the above. When you tear that lens in two; you do not see a woman, whom welcomed a man deep into her cocoon; holding you between her arms. You do not see a hospital room, where thousands have come and go; some to live through the birth, others to never know what comes of their children. And those few children, to never know the flavor of life. Your mind is not stuffed with debate; flowing with argument and control. The only true perception, if any, is that of adoration. A warmth, a growing need to feed; to thrive, and to stay alive. It is all that any youth could ever know. Knowledge, has yet to touch their cheek; and such, their means of survival is not in Heaven. It's not in a book, and it's not in culture.

Should, mankind for that reason, live only to survive? What type of life is that, to be alive; only for logical and oblivious reasons. To stay alive. Nay, for as we grow; so do our hearts, and in that measure, their options begin to rise. We can take paths, stray from the course; and go where we chose. We are influenced, not directly by ourselves, but indirectly. We are given many roads; and we are given, one pair of woven shoes. They may wear thin, they may break; and then bare-footed we travel. Hitting rocks, hard stones, and glass; but we do not end, we do not give up. Life changes from where it begins; adults mature, and reasons grow behind their flesh.

Religion, it seems, is a cover to go for; something to put your every muscle into. It's a reason of living? Is it not? But such a reason, is so debatable, that it to is the silencer of every mouth. We, as human beings; should live for our own ambitions and goals. Not some scene that is set in the ides of few men. We need, if anything, to control our own adoration; or own heat, and move onwards with reality. We can not drive the wheel; however, we can steer so that we do not crash. And become that heap, which we see as the frail side of Mother Nature.

[vaporshi]

admin said:

So, do you think humans are inherently equal and, if so, in what ways and on what basis? Can they be unequal? Are they more individuals or is everything they know and think and feel a product of society?

No, I don't think humans are equal or there wouldn't be diseases and disorders that prevent individuals from achieving their full potential. Additionally, society decides on who is and isn't equal.

And yes, I think everything we feel and think is influenced by society. This is not necessarily a bad thing however.

I think our purpose in life is different for everyone. I live for myself and I make my own purposes. I set goals and once I achieve them I make new goals.

At the moment my purpose in life is to become fully independent and self-sufficient. In other words, I want to make money, good money. I'm working towards that goal by going to university and majoring in a subject that has excellent career opportunities (and I enjoy). I intend to find myself a job that pays well and I won't settle for less. I don't intend to marry rich either (I'm not even sure I want to get married at all. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it).

Yet I know for a fact that anyone considered "equal" to me will not have those same goals. Everyone has a different purpose in life. Some of us end up curing diseases or making large-scale decisions that change the world. Others make changes on a smaller scale: they effect the ones around them.