Defining human nature is inevitable. This article does not focus on human nature itself, but rather on the commonalities, temperament, and character of humans; in short, it is a brief definition. The theories of human nature throughout history and across cultures generally 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 purity of human nature, simplicity leads to the essence of humanity.
Xunzi's Theory of Human Nature#
Xunzi discusses the evil nature of humans, focusing on the desire that leads to evil. "Humans 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 an innate evil; among nature, emotion, and desire, "nature is the original, unrefined material," and it is only because desires follow emotional impulses, and desires are endless, that nature cannot beautify itself. 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 populace is "hungry and seeking food, laboring and seeking rest," and human nature is nothing more than the pursuit of fame and profit. Therefore, the ruler must "hold the reins of fame and profit" to manipulate the populace. By "controlling myriad desires and producing a single benefit," he achieves mastery over the people.
Human Nature Beyond Desire#
Commonalities in Theories of Human Nature#
The above three 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 doctrine 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 as a metaphor for human nature, then desire is like the sail, borrowing the power of nature for the vessel. However, where the boat should sail is what reveals the unique insights of thinkers' theories of 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, looking at it is refreshing." Returning to the natural state can be seen as "an eternal nostalgia."
Xunzi uses ritual and righteousness to regulate desire, using the "artificial" acquired later to balance the innate "nature," which balances desire but also rigidifies human nature.
Shang Yang, like a cunning and greedy craftsman, designed a system to stimulate desire, control desire, and thus transform human nature. Although it increased the speed of the ship, the speed was too fast, leading to destruction and loss of life.
The Western doctrine of original sin discusses desire and sin, which makes everyone a sinner, but in front of the divine, all humans are born equal.
In summary, discussing human nature cannot avoid discussing desire; discussing only 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 humans is not so."
Natural laws tend toward balance; the sun releases heat, the earth absorbs heat, and the overall disorder of all tangible things is increasing. Yet, humans utilize this process of tending toward balance. (See 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 is destined to fade with materiality; the pursuit of long-term power, however, symbolizes resistance and creativity 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.
Not Being Deceived by Theories of Human Nature#
However, human nature is a grand topic; this article actually discusses the theories of others. Studying various theories of human nature, it is not difficult to find 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 nonsense, but it indicates that each theory of human nature serves its own doctrine. Thus, we should contemplate what human nature truly is, rather than easily trusting one perspective.
Not Being Transformed in Human Nature#
Each school seeks to transform human nature. Legalism is the most prominent. The doctrine of original sin and moral theories of human nature are slightly less so, with only Daoism, or Zhuangzi, not seeking transformation.
Why are they so keen on transforming human nature?
To better control people to achieve their own ends. The effects of control can be both good and bad, as those transformed cannot choose their own fate.
Historically, theories of human nature have often served politics. Any theory of human nature related to politics must advocate for the transformation of human nature. In contemporary society, where fame and profit are prioritized, the words in the Book of Lord Shang about "controlling myriad desires and producing a single benefit" are remarkably similar to today. In this new system of work, housing, and reproduction, human desires are stimulated, the sense of direction is lost, and most people become a part of an inescapable system. But if a person is left with only limited desires, their situation is akin to competing for a rotten 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 so-called human nature is unchangeable; Objectivism does not believe this. 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, using the five techniques to weaken the people, allowing them to focus 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.