Human Nature A Compilation of Many Definitions - 975 Words

Human nature is a widely controversial term, because it is so broad. Philosophers, writers, and thinkers throughout time have debated exactly what â€Å"human nature† refers to. Locke, Rousseau and Freud have very differing opinions on human nature. Although in some cases, they seem to contradict each other, the core roots of these three opinions can actually fit together to form a well-rounded definition of human nature: Humans are free at birth, with just primitive, instinctual needs, free to take justice into their own hands. After eventually entering society for safety, there are many more ideas and rules to be interpreted, so humans figure out how to cope with a civilized society, and still deal their natural instincts. This definition of human nature compiles three very different people’s theories, but because it works with three separate definitions, it actually covers all the bases in defining human nature. Locke’s ideas about human nature are spread throughout many of his works. He explains that humans in a natural state are in â€Å"a state of perfect freedom to order their actions and dispose of their possessions and persons, as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature; without asking leave, or depending upon the will of any other man† (T 110). So essentially, before civilization, humans were absolutely free, and if someone were to wrong someone else, they would be free to punish them as they saw fit. Locke explains that this is â€Å"a state of equality whereinShow MoreRelatedHappiness and Impossible Standards in Aristotles The Nicomachean Ethics563 Words   |  3 PagesHumans, throughout recorded history, have searched for a proper way of living which would lead them to ultimate happiness; the Nicomachean Ethics, a compilation of lecture notes on the subject written by Greek philosopher Aristotle, is one of the most celebrated philosophical works dedic ated to this study of the way. As he describes it, happiness can only be achieved by acting in conformity with virtues, virtues being established by a particular culture’s ideal person operating at their top capacityRead MoreBenjamin Franklin Henry David Thoreau1043 Words   |  5 PagesFranklin had a lot of similar ways of life. The men didn’t believe in the Christian religious conviction of the time. 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