Human Nature - Revision history

Michael at 11:38, 1 September 2026

2026-09-01T11:38:25Z

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	[[Human Nature]] > {{#ask:[[Is a key term::Human Nature]]\|format=ul}}		[[Human Nature]] > {{#ask:[[Is a key term::Human Nature]]\|format=ul}}

	== ~~Core Tenets of Human Nature (Maslow/LP Framework)~~ ==		== From the Masters ==
	Spinoza felt there was a human nature. Approaching that, becoming aligned with it, brings joy.		Spinoza felt there was a human nature. Approaching that, becoming aligned with it, brings joy.

			'''Erich Fromm''' pointed out that humans are not by nature greedy or envious. "Greed and envy are so strong not because of their inherent intensity but because of the difficulty in resisting the public pressure to be a wolf with the wolves. Change the social climate, the values that are either approved or disapproved, and the change from selfishness to altruism will lose most of its difficulty." <ref>Erich Fromm, ''To Have or to Be?'' (New York: Harper & Row, 1976), 199</ref>

	Maslow felt that there was definitely human nature and that it was "''not'' indefinitely malleable." <ref>Maslow quoted in		Maslow felt that there was definitely human nature and that it was "''not'' indefinitely malleable." <ref>Maslow quoted in

Michael at 11:35, 30 August 2026

2026-08-30T11:35:48Z

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	== Core Tenets of Human Nature (Maslow/LP Framework) ==		== Core Tenets of Human Nature (Maslow/LP Framework) ==
			Spinoza felt there was a human nature. Approaching that, becoming aligned with it, brings joy.

	Maslow felt that there was definitely human nature and that it was "''not'' indefinitely malleable." <ref>Maslow quoted in		Maslow felt that there was definitely human nature and that it was "''not'' indefinitely malleable." <ref>Maslow quoted in

Michael at 15:23, 26 August 2026

2026-08-26T15:23:48Z

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	== Concept Map ==		== Concept Map ==
	=== Key Terms===		=== Key Terms===


			[[Lightning Path Human Development Framework]] > {{#ask:[[Is an::LP Framework]]\|format=ul\|sort=has sort}}

			[[LP Psychological Framework]] > {{#ask:[[Is a key term::LP Psychological Framework]]\|format=ul\|sort=Has sort order psy-frame}}

	[[Eupsychia]] > {{#ask:[[Is a key term::Eupsychia]]		[[Eupsychia]] > {{#ask:[[Is a key term::Eupsychia]]

Michael at 04:14, 15 March 2026

2026-03-15T04:14:46Z

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	=== 1. Higher Nature is Good, Not Evil ===		=== 1. Higher Nature is Good, Not Evil ===
	Human nature is not inherently selfish, aggressive, or "fallen." Under '''good environmental conditions''' (characterized by satisfaction of the [[Seven Essential Needs]]), humans reliably manifest:		<blockquote>People are all decent underneath. All that is necessary to prove this is to find out what the motives are for their superficial behavior nasty, mean, or vicious though that behavior may be. Once these motives are understood, it is impossible to resent the behavior that follows.<ref>Maslow quotes in Lowry, Richard J. ''A. H. Maslow: An Intellectual Portrait''. Brooks / Cole Publishing, 1973. p. 17.</ref></blockquote>Human nature is not inherently selfish, aggressive, or "fallen." Under '''good environmental conditions''' (characterized by satisfaction of the [[Seven Essential Needs]]), humans reliably manifest:

	* Affection and altruism		* Affection and altruism

Michael at 03:37, 15 March 2026

2026-03-15T03:37:10Z

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	== Core Tenets of Human Nature (Maslow/LP Framework) ==		== Core Tenets of Human Nature (Maslow/LP Framework) ==
			Maslow felt that there was definitely human nature and that it was "''not'' indefinitely malleable." <ref>Maslow quoted in

			Lowry, Richard J. ''A. H. Maslow: An Intellectual Portrait''. Brooks / Cole Publishing, 1973. p. 8.</ref>

	=== 1. Higher Nature is Good, Not Evil ===		=== 1. Higher Nature is Good, Not Evil ===

Michael at 05:36, 10 January 2026

2026-01-10T05:36:28Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{navmenu}}
 <h1 class="customtitle">{{FULLPAGENAME}}</h1>
-<blockquote class="definition">'''Human Nature'''
+<blockquote class="definition">'''Human Nature'''  is the inherent developmental architecture of the human organism—a "higher nature" comprising positive potentials that are actualized under conditions of [[Sufficient Satisfaction]] of [[Seven Essential Needs|Essential Needs]], and that are suppressed or distorted under conditions of deprivation and [[Toxic Socialization]].
 </blockquote>
 == Concept Map ==
 === Key Terms===
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 [[Human Nature]] > {{#ask:[[Is a key term::Human Nature]]|format=ul}}
 ==Notes==
 === Abraham Maslow ===

Michael at 05:28, 10 January 2026

2026-01-10T05:28:31Z

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	=== Abraham Maslow ===		=== Abraham Maslow ===
	Maslow rejected the idea that human nature could be understood by pointing to the animal kingdom. He felt it was absurd, noting "We can never make meaningful statements about human nature by arguing on the basis of other species’ behavior," noting that when one did this one's view of human nature became entirely dependent upon the animals once chose for comparison. Are chimp, wolf, tiger. Or are we rabbit, squirrel, or dear. It's a dumb "pseudo-Darwinian" approach whose fallacy has been demonstrated well enough so that no repetition is required."<ref name=":0">Maslow, Abraham H. “Is Human Nature Basically Selfish?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. p. 111. Sage Publications, 1996. </ref>		Maslow rejected the idea that human nature could be understood by pointing to the animal kingdom. He [[Is a key term::Eupsychian Theory]]<nowiki/>felt it was absurd, noting "We can never make meaningful statements about human nature by arguing on the basis of other species’ behavior," noting that when one did this one's view of human nature became entirely dependent upon the animals once chose for comparison. Are chimp, wolf, tiger. Or are we rabbit, squirrel, or dear. It's a dumb "pseudo-Darwinian" approach whose fallacy has been demonstrated well enough so that no repetition is required."<ref name=":0">Maslow, Abraham H. “Is Human Nature Basically Selfish?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. p. 111. Sage Publications, 1996. </ref>

	He also rejected the notion that human nature could be understood by looking at "cave dwellers." He rightly pointed out that we really don't know much about these people and how they lived at all.		He also rejected the notion that human nature could be understood by looking at "cave dwellers." He rightly pointed out that we really don't know much about these people and how they lived at all.
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	Maslow does point out that "observational data in the wild" have demonstrated that chimpanzees "will help their peers, such as giving of their own food." and that "The stronger chimpanzee is the protector rather than the dominator of the weaker," concluding that the general direction of this primate's behaviour is towards "cooperation, friendship, and unselfishness."<ref name=":0" />		Maslow does point out that "observational data in the wild" have demonstrated that chimpanzees "will help their peers, such as giving of their own food." and that "The stronger chimpanzee is the protector rather than the dominator of the weaker," concluding that the general direction of this primate's behaviour is towards "cooperation, friendship, and unselfishness."<ref name=":0" />

	Maslow suggest that that human beings are capable of more than just being "bad," that human society does not inevitably lead to negative outcomes. "Nor is it inevitable, as so many theologians and left-wing/right-wing political radicals proclaim, that human nature is inherently evil and incapable of growing into something better. The humanistic and transpersonal synthesis of psychology today knocks these ideas on their head or, at least, strongly contradicts them."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “The Unnoticed Psychological Revolution.” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 125.</ref>		Maslow suggest that that human beings are capable of more than just being "bad," that human society does not inevitably lead to negative outcomes. "Nor is it inevitable, as so many theologians and left-wing/right-wing political radicals proclaim, that human nature is inherently evil and incapable of growing into something better. The humanistic and transpersonal synthesis of psychology today knocks these ideas on their head or, at least, strongly contradicts them."<ref name=":3">Maslow, Abraham H. “The Unnoticed Psychological Revolution.” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 125.</ref>

	In his unpublished essay "What is the essence of human nature?" Maslow makes the following statements on human nature.		In his unpublished essay "What is the essence of human nature?" Maslow makes the following statements on human nature.

	# Humans have a "higher nature" that "composes a basic part of our essence."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 83.<~~nowiki></ref></~~nowiki></ref>		# Humans have a "higher nature" that "composes a basic part of our essence."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 83.<nowiki></ref>
	# This higher nature is good and can be actualized "Under good conditions." "Under good conditions, people can be expected to manifest such desirable traits as affection, altruism, friendliness, generosity, honesty, kindness, and trust."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 83.</ref> Note that Maslow rejects the notion that humans are basically good, saying that humans are good or evil under specific conditions.		# This higher nature is good and can be actualized "Under good conditions." "Under good conditions, people can be expected to manifest such desirable traits as affection, altruism, friendliness, generosity, honesty, kindness, and trust."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 83.</ref> Note that Maslow rejects the notion that humans are basically good, saying that humans are good or evil under specific conditions. "Under 'bad' environmental conditions, people are more likely to show both psychopathology and evil behaviour."<ref name=":3" />
	# Good environmental conditions are comprised of the "natural, social, and physiological aspects that foster [[Self-Actualization]]." <ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p, 84.</ref>		# Good environmental conditions are comprised of the "natural, social, and physiological aspects that foster [[Self-Actualization]]." <ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p, 84.</ref>
	# "Basic-need gratification...composes the primary path for higher evolvement and humanness and greater self-actualization."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 84.</ref>		# "Basic-need gratification...composes the primary path for higher evolvement and humanness and greater self-actualization."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 84.</ref>
	# Humans do not exist in a vacuum. The "social element is inescapably intertwined with the intrapsychic, because basic-need gratifications--which are necessary for growth in the individual's higher nature--must come from interpersonal relations, various subgroups, and the wider society."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. pl. 84.</ref>		# Humans do not exist in a vacuum. The "social element is inescapably intertwined with the intrapsychic, because basic-need gratifications--which are necessary for growth in the individual's higher nature--must come from interpersonal relations, various subgroups, and the wider society."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. pl. 84.</ref>
			# There is a [[Culture of Despair]] that views human nature through a cynical and skeptical lens. This culture rejects Maslow's more positive view of human nature and human potential, basically arguing that humans are evil, incapable of goodness, selfish, etc. Maslow attributes this to the general "debunking" that occurred as philosophy and science took over from religion, but his argument is quite unconvincing here. The idea that humans are evil, savage, brutish, primitive is a lingering religious idea rooted in the Western [[Zoroastrian Frame]].

	=== Sources ===		=== Sources ===
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	==== The Environment ====		==== The Environment ====
			Picking up where Maslow left off, there is a lot of work to be done uncovering the environmental conditions that produce [[Psychological Dysfunction]]. Maslow did provide some hints.

	Maslow felt that aspects of human nature, like the trait of selfishness versus the trait of unselfishness, might have social/political roots. He is very clear about this. He said that		Maslow felt that aspects of human nature, like the trait of selfishness versus the trait of unselfishness, might have social/political roots. He is very clear about this. He said that

Michael at 05:14, 10 January 2026

2026-01-10T05:14:41Z

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	Maslow suggest that that human beings are capable of more than just being "bad," that human society does not inevitably lead to negative outcomes. "Nor is it inevitable, as so many theologians and left-wing/right-wing political radicals proclaim, that human nature is inherently evil and incapable of growing into something better. The humanistic and transpersonal synthesis of psychology today knocks these ideas on their head or, at least, strongly contradicts them."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “The Unnoticed Psychological Revolution.” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 125.</ref>		Maslow suggest that that human beings are capable of more than just being "bad," that human society does not inevitably lead to negative outcomes. "Nor is it inevitable, as so many theologians and left-wing/right-wing political radicals proclaim, that human nature is inherently evil and incapable of growing into something better. The humanistic and transpersonal synthesis of psychology today knocks these ideas on their head or, at least, strongly contradicts them."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “The Unnoticed Psychological Revolution.” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 125.</ref>

	Maslow ~~suggests~~ a ~~humanistic view~~ is ~~accurate~~.		In his unpublished essay "What is the essence of human nature?" Maslow makes the following statements on human nature.

			# Humans have a "higher nature" that "composes a basic part of our essence."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 83.<nowiki></ref></nowiki></ref>
			# This higher nature is good and can be actualized "Under good conditions." "Under good conditions, people can be expected to manifest such desirable traits as affection, altruism, friendliness, generosity, honesty, kindness, and trust."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 83.</ref> Note that Maslow rejects the notion that humans are basically good, saying that humans are good or evil under specific conditions.
			# Good environmental conditions are comprised of the "natural, social, and physiological aspects that foster [[Self-Actualization]]." <ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p, 84.</ref>
			# "Basic-need gratification...composes the primary path for higher evolvement and humanness and greater self-actualization."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 84.</ref>
			# Humans do not exist in a vacuum. The "social element is inescapably intertwined with the intrapsychic, because basic-need gratifications--which are necessary for growth in the individual's higher nature--must come from interpersonal relations, various subgroups, and the wider society."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “What Is the Essence of Human Nature?” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. pl. 84.</ref>

	=== Sources ===		=== Sources ===

Michael at 19:55, 2 January 2026

2026-01-02T19:55:24Z

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	Maslow does point out that "observational data in the wild" have demonstrated that chimpanzees "will help their peers, such as giving of their own food." and that "The stronger chimpanzee is the protector rather than the dominator of the weaker," concluding that the general direction of this primate's behaviour is towards "cooperation, friendship, and unselfishness."<ref name=":0" />		Maslow does point out that "observational data in the wild" have demonstrated that chimpanzees "will help their peers, such as giving of their own food." and that "The stronger chimpanzee is the protector rather than the dominator of the weaker," concluding that the general direction of this primate's behaviour is towards "cooperation, friendship, and unselfishness."<ref name=":0" />

			Maslow suggest that that human beings are capable of more than just being "bad," that human society does not inevitably lead to negative outcomes. "Nor is it inevitable, as so many theologians and left-wing/right-wing political radicals proclaim, that human nature is inherently evil and incapable of growing into something better. The humanistic and transpersonal synthesis of psychology today knocks these ideas on their head or, at least, strongly contradicts them."<ref>Maslow, Abraham H. “The Unnoticed Psychological Revolution.” In ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'', edited by Edward Hoffman. Sage Publications, 1996. p. 125.</ref>

	Maslow suggests a humanistic view is accurate.		Maslow suggests a humanistic view is accurate.

Michael at 15:17, 31 December 2025

2025-12-31T15:17:09Z

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	=== Sources ===		=== Sources ===

			==== The Inner Self ====
			Maslow makes the fascinating observation that "positive human traits" like self-respect, security, safety, being lovable, loving someone else..." are strengthened and confirmed by '''revelation''' (what he calls "uncovering and insight.") and that "negative human trains like cruelty, sadism, or masochism are destroyed by successful Taoistic, uncovering..."<ref name=":02">Maslow, A. H. (1996). Critique of Self-Actualization Theory. In E. Hoffman (Ed.), ''Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow'' (pp. 26-29). p. 28-9. Sage Publications.</ref> He also suggest that this is evidence that positive human traits are "intrinsic aspects of humanness" while the negative ones are "reactive and sick."<ref name=":02" />

	==== The Environment ====		==== The Environment ====