Question #8: What is the fundamental character of human beings?
July 5, 2008 by Stephen Palmer · 1 Comment
| 10 Foundational Questions | Introduction | Question #1 | Question #2 | Question #3 | Question #4 | Question #5 | Question #6 | Question #7 |
“Fear is the foundation of most governments; but it is so sordid and brutal a passion, and renders men in whose breasts it predominates so stupid and miserable, that Americans will not be likely to approve of any political institution which is founded on it… The foundation of every government is some principle or passion in the minds of the people. The noblest principles and most generous affections in our nature, then, have the fairest chance to support the noblest and most generous models of government.” - John Adams in Thoughts on Government
At the core of political philosophy and constitutional government is the issue of human nature; we can’t know how to govern unless we fully understand whom is being governed. Designing and managing a polity must take into consideration who human beings are, how and why they act, and how to best promote their happiness.
Human nature is composed of two things: 1) motivations, and 2) tendencies.
Human Motivation
The brilliant Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises formulated a methodology for understanding human action that he called “praxeology.” Mises deduced fifty laws of human action, which include the following highlights:
- Choice determines all human action.
- Human action is purposeful; people make choices for reasons.
- Action is the attempt to change the state of being for a more satisfactory state.
- No person does anything except what they think will improve their satisfaction.
The core of Mises’ laws is that we act to increase our satisfaction. From getting up from the couch to get a soda, to going to church, to perpetrating violent crime, every human action is designed to bring the actor more satisfaction than he or she currently feels.
A well-designed body politic, then, will allow its citizens to seek and gain satisfaction in any way they see fit, as long as they do not encroach upon the unalienable rights of others. As the Roman statesman Cato said, “By liberty, I understand the power which every man has over his own actions, and his right to enjoy the fruit of his labor, art, and industry, as far as by it he hurts not the society or any members of it, by taking from any member or by hindering him from enjoying what he himself enjoys.”
Human Tendencies
Are human beings good, or evil? Are we fallen beings, or are we enlightened beings of light and love? Do we seek depravity, or degeneracy?
Yes.
It seems like most philosophers have held the either/or view of human nature; some say we are good, and some say we are bad. It seems clear to me that we are both, that inherent to every individual is the potential for divinity and degeneracy.
Why It Matters
How well can you answer these questions?
May 14, 2008 by Stephen Palmer · 7 Comments
Do you know why the following questions matter? Can you list at least three sources of opposing views on the answers?
Read the questions then answer them by commenting below.
1. What is the source of man’s rights?
2. What are the differences between unalienable and civil rights?
3. What is the proper role of government?
4. What is the American form of government?
5. What are the four foundations of freedom, according to the American Founders?
6. What is more important–culture, or politics and government?
7. What are “legitimate foundation” and “legitimate authority” in political philosophy?
8. What is the fundamental character of human beings?
9. What are the seven major societal forms, or institutions, and what are the roles of each?
10. What are the connections between liberty and property?
Share your answers by commenting below.
Bonus Question: What is the significance of the picture I used on this post?
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Copyright © 2008 by The Cause of Liberty. All rights reserved.
Freedom, or Security?
January 24, 2008 by Stephen Palmer · Leave a Comment
The desire for security in a turbulent world is natural and understandable. Yet if we seek security in place of liberty, we will inevitably be led to a counterfeit of true security: slavery.
More often than not, freedom and security are mutually exclusive. Many vote for policies that rob them of precious freedoms in order to ensure their safety. People choose jobs for their benefits and stability, as opposed to what aligns with their passion and purpose. But as Benjamin Franklin wisely observed, “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
America must reclaim her heritage and choose virtue over vice, sacrifice over expediency, and courage over subservience, rather than a culture and government that usurps authority and abdicates responsibility. You can be instrumental in leading that charge by choosing freedom over false security in your own life. Follow your dreams, your passion, your purpose, and choose the difficult yet noble path of heroism, fortitude, perseverance, and creativity. Rise up to your potential and be worthy of the responsibility of freedom!
Move the Cause of Liberty by (1) subscribing to the Sentinel, a free weekly newsletter boldly illuminating the principles of freedom in a darkening nation, and (2) pledging your Life, Liberty, and Sacred Honor to the Cause by signing the Declaration of Dependence.
Email This Post
Copyright © 2008 by The Cause of Liberty. All rights reserved.
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