Mencius Human Nature

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By definition, human nature is the psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humanity. Even with this definitive meaning it is complex and intricate. This meaning raises questions such as “ what is a part of the human nature? What is innate and what have we, as a human species, cultivated into our lifestyle and nature? It also raises the question, what is our human nature?” There have been much said about human nature. Many scientists, philosophers, and authors have spoken on the nature on humans being evil or good. Two authors who have offered up these two opinions were Mencius and Hsun Tzu. Mencius focused on the good of the human race while Tzu focused on the evil. Tzu point of view seems more in line with my rational. However, …show more content…

He also stated that “ we all have a heart of compassion and a heart of conscience… a heart of right and wrong… in a heart of compassion is humanity.” That might be the view of Mencius but, Tzu believed the complete opposite. Tzu believed that humans were only satisfactory when they had structure. He also believed that the human race was greedy. “ The nature of man is such that he is born with a fondness for profit.” An example of this would be a passage from the Bible when a wealthy man wants to get into Heaven. He asks God “what do I have to do to make it in?” God tells him to “give up all his wealth and he will enter the gates.” After hearing that the man is hesitant and does not want to pass away his wealth to gain eternal life. Tau also said that “ all sense of courtesy and humility will disappear.” Did it start to begin with in some cases? For example, some serial killers seem to lack compassion and the humility to question their own actions about why they murder or take part in cannibalism or torture their victims. Some start at a young age with animals and yearn for

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