Are humans inherently good, or are they inherently bad? This question about human nature has been continually debated by philosophers throughout history. Though I have been influenced by various philosophers (I’m looking at you Hobbes), I intend to give my very own perspective on human nature.
When a human being is first born, contrary to popular opinion, they are not pure. As soon as a being is able to lie, they will do so for their own benefit. Cruel as it may seem, human beings are self-centered, egotistical beings that when given the chance will promote themselves even if creating ill-will upon others. It is ontological, a part of our being, to get ahead of others.
This is not to say that humans cannot create goodness, for we have witnessed the actions of goodness by many. My argument for goodness is that there is a motive for goodness. Within a thought-out act of goodwill, there is a thought-out reward. Perhaps this reward is nothing tangible, rather a feeling, but it still constitutes as a reward for it is the result of a deed well done.
There are many influences on good nature, one of the largest being religion. If the motive is to do well in order to receive a positive outcome upon death or in another life, the positive action should have no relevance at all. Should one not believe in a higher power the motive is different, and that can be examined on a case-by-case basis. Perhaps it is the subconscious and we, as human beings, are too self-centered to realize.
I’m not saying that one should not act in accordance with the goodwill of others, but I am saying that we ought to think more about these actions. We need to find our motive, but in support of my position, I doubt we will settle on an answer that is not for our own goodwill.
Photo: Bret Kavanaugh