Defining human nature is inevitable. This article does not focus on the essence of humanity, but rather on the commonalities, temperament, and character of people; in short, it provides a brief definition. The theories of human nature throughout history and across cultures evaluate human nature from different perspectives.
Theories of Human Nature in Pre-Qin Philosophers#
Zhuangzi's Theory of Human Nature#
Zhuangzi compares human nature to white jade, stating that transforming human nature, destroying white jade to create gui and zhang, is a sin. Therefore, Zhuangzi advocates for maintaining the authenticity of human nature, simplicity leads to the essence of the people.
Xunzi's Theory of Human Nature#
Xunzi discusses the evil nature of humanity, focusing on the desire that leads to evil. "People are born with desires; when desires are unfulfilled, chaos ensues," thus using rites and righteousness to define boundaries and stop disputes. The evil nature is not inherent; among nature, emotion, and desire, "nature is the original, unrefined material," and it is the endless desires following emotions that prevent nature from being beautiful. Therefore, the emphasis on evil nature is primarily about the desire that leads to evil.
Shang Yang's Theory of Human Nature#
Shang Yang believes that the nature of the people is "hungry and seeking food, laboring and seeking rest," and human nature is nothing more than the pursuit of fame and profit. Thus, rulers must "hold the reins of fame and profit" to manipulate the populace. By "controlling myriad desires and producing a single benefit," they achieve mastery over the people.
Human Nature Beyond Desire#
Commonality in Theories of Human Nature#
The three above all point out the desire within human nature.
Even Zhuangzi speaks of being in harmony with having no desires, which is called simplicity.
Globally, Plato believes that human nature consists of reason, passion, and desire, while Christian civilization advocates the concept of original sin, all pointing to the existence of desire.
Direction Within Human Nature#
The difference lies in how people evaluate human nature beyond desire.
If we use a sailboat to metaphor human nature, then desire is like the sail, harnessing the power of nature for the vessel. However, the question of where the boat should sail reveals the unique insights of thinkers regarding human nature and the wisdom and virtue of the thinkers themselves.
Directions of Various Theories of Human Nature#
On this level, Zhuangzi says, "Old country, old capital, viewed with ease." Returning to a natural state can be seen as "an eternal nostalgia."
Xunzi uses rituals and righteousness to regulate desires, balancing the innate "nature" with the acquired "artifice," which curbs desires but also rigidifies human nature.
Shang Yang, like a clever and greedy craftsman, designed a system to stimulate desires, control desires, and thus transform human nature. Although it increases the speed of the boat, if the speed is too fast, the boat may be destroyed and lives lost.
The Western concept of original sin discusses desire and sin, which makes everyone a sinner, but in the eyes of God, all people are born equal.
In summary, discussing human nature cannot avoid discussing desire; merely discussing desire can lead to misunderstanding.
The Pursuit of Long-Term Power in Human Nature#
"The way of heaven is to reduce the excess to supplement the insufficient; the way of man is not so."
Natural laws tend toward balance; the sun releases heat, the earth absorbs heat, and the overall chaos of all tangible things is increasing. Yet, humans utilize this process of balancing. (Refer to Existential Contract Theory)
Desires within human nature seek to pursue power, but some lean toward short-term power, while others lean toward long-term power. The pursuit of short-term power inevitably leads to silence with material; the pursuit of long-term power, however, symbolizes resistance and creation within human nature (I would never say this now, Objectivism does not require greatness, glory, correctness, or anything that seems correct). There is no essential difference between desires; the direction and choices beyond desire are the core of human nature.
The Hidden Value of Theories of Human Nature#
Theories of human nature certainly have value. At the very least, we can ascertain that human nature itself has desires.
Do Not Be Deceived by Theories of Human Nature#
However, human nature is a grand topic, and this article primarily discusses the theories of others. Studying various theories of human nature reveals that many carry personal agendas.
Confucianism is a moral theory of human nature, Legalism is a theory of human nature focused on fame and profit, Daoism is a theory of natural human nature, and Christianity is a theological theory of human nature. This may seem overly general, like empty talk, but it indicates that each theory serves its own doctrine. Therefore, we should contemplate what human nature truly is, rather than easily trusting one perspective.
Do Not Be Transformed by Human Nature#
Each school seeks to transform human nature. Legalism is the most prominent. The original sin theory and moral theories of human nature follow closely, while only Daoism, or Zhuangzi, does not seek transformation.
Why are they so keen on transforming human nature?
To better control people to achieve their own goals. The effects of control can be both good and bad, as those transformed cannot choose their own destinies.
Historically, theories of human nature have often served political purposes. Any theory of human nature related to politics must advocate for the transformation of human nature. In modern times, people are focused on fame and profit; the words in the Book of Lord Shang, "control myriad desires, produce a single benefit," are strikingly similar to today. In the new system of work, housing, and reproduction, human desires are stimulated, and the sense of direction is lost, leading most people to become part of a system they cannot escape. But if a person is left with only limited desires, their situation resembles the struggle for a rotting rat. Controlled by a single desire, they lose countless benefits.
The Direction of Controlling Human Nature#
Everyone should have their own theory of human nature. The methods of Legalism in controlling human nature are worth learning from. The notion that human nature cannot be changed is not believed by Objectivism. Anything that exists must have its material basis and can inevitably be changed. Human nature has its material basis; we can learn from Shang Yang to weaken the people through five techniques, focusing them on agriculture and warfare.
"Rather than be subject to others, it is better to obey oneself." Self-transformation, seizing the sail, and sailing toward one's own shore.
Reset on the evening of September 23, 2024, original text Human Nature and Politics written on June 22, 2021.