Latest Activity
Top Content
We are a worldwide social network of freethinkers, atheists, agnostics and secular humanists.
Birthdays
Birthdays Today
Birthdays Tomorrow
What Is Human Nature?
Here's a typically human question:
WHAT sort of creature is the human? The obvious answer is a smart, talkative, upright ape with a penchant for material possessions.
But what about the more subtle concept of human nature? That is more controversial. Some deny it exists, preferring to believe that we can be anything we want to be. They cannot be right.
Although we exhibit lots of individual and cultural variations, humans are animals, and like all animals we have idiosyncrasies, quirks and characteristics that distinguish us as a species. An invading alien would have no trouble categorising us but, being so close to our subject matter, we struggle to pin down the essence of humanness.
Nevertheless, the task may not be beyond us. Anthropologists have identified many “human universals” – characteristics shared by all people everywhere, which constitute a sort of parts list of our species. What if we were to use these to examine the human animal in the same way we would study any other?
As the following articles reveal, what emerges is a suite of characteristics that encapsulate our nature – and a rather peculiar one it proves to be. If you thought you knew what humans were like, then think again.
Being playful
All mammals play - but no other species pursues such a wide variety of entertainment or spends so much time enjoying themselves.
Being scientific
Humans are constantly sorting the world into categories, predicting how things work, and testing those predictions - the essence of science.
Being legislative
Chimps stick to simple behavioural norms, but we humans, with our language skills and greater brainpower, have developed much more elaborate systems of rules, taboos and etiquette.
Being epicurean
Compared with other animals, the feeding behaviour of humans is exceedingly odd. Where they just eat, we make a meal of it.
Being clandestine
Nothing is quite as puzzling as our predilection for clandestine copulation. Why do humans have sex in private?
Being gossipy
Language has shaped our nature profoundly - and arguably, our way with words reaches its apogee in gossip.
--------------------------------------------
So what do you think about this list of human "skills"?
Anything missing or that should not be there?
From New Scientist.
Unfortunately articles on the specific topics in the list above are behind a paywall.
Tags: animal, anthropology, human, nature
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Davy on -
That depends on the society that you live in! Not all societies have the same thought patterns as Europeans.
-
-
Permalink Reply by Michel on -
I was talking about the "always great and lesser than yourself" part. You can get at a juncture where there's no one greater (rare) or lesser than yourself.
Yes, the particular ordering criteria can vary immensely from society to society. Pretty much like it does from animal to animal.
-
-
Permalink Reply by Dallas the Phallus on -
If you compare yourself to others, you may become bitter or vain, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
I often quote this to other people who have a tendancy to do just this (just as I do), but I did not remember that it was Desiderata who said it.
We are all equal but what we say, what we do is what makes us greater or lesser than others in our societies view.
Yes. My prejudices (justifiable, I believe) against people are never about things they cannot control: race, gender, nationality, desire, orientation, gender identity, etc., but only about their beliefs and actions.
People tend to want to be around others who are like them. Okay, fine, I am not immune to that. But the really dark side of that gives us neonazis, and this is where I start to have a problem. Not liking blacks, for example, and not wanting to be around them is your perogative. Insisting that they are inferior to you or acting in ways harmful to them is when I start having an issue.
-
-
Permalink Reply by Davy on
-
I have issues with the dark side too!
Max Ehrmann Wrote the poem Desiderata in circa 1927.
-
-
Permalink Reply by Dallas the Phallus on
-
Oh, I thought it was a person. It's a poem? I'll have to check it out.
-
-
Permalink Reply by Adriana on -
Pretty sound advice, except for the God part.
-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. -
-
Permalink Reply by Davy on
-
Therefore be at peace with God,
Whatever you conceive him to be.If you believe he does not exist then that is what you conceive him to be non-existent.
Yes it is a beautiful poem.
my favourite line.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars; -
-
Permalink Reply by Davy on
-
#6
Is a question that I think about too! Trying to find an explanation for the behaviour, really peculiar!
-
-
Permalink Reply by Marianne on -
strange little social conventions (no shaking hands anymore, germs...!) but still talking about the weather
-
- ‹ Previous
- 1
- 2
- Next ›
© 2013 Created by Atheist Universe.
Powered by
Badges | Report an Issue | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
