The Initial Understanding of Human Nature: The Instinct of Survival and Reproduction

Human nature, a topic that has been explored by countless philosophers and scholars since ancient times, is often closely linked to survival and reproduction. As the ancients said, "At the beginning of man, nature is inherently good." Here, "good" does not simply refer to moral nobility, but to the innate human desire and pursuit for the continuation of life. From the first cry of a baby to the various efforts of adults, all are struggles for survival and reproduction.

However, human nature is not limited to this aspect. Driven by survival and reproduction, many more complex and profound human traits have emerged. Greed, selfishness, jealousy, lust... these seemingly negative terms are, in fact, an indispensable part of human nature. They are like a double-edged sword, driving the progress of human society while often triggering endless disputes and conflicts.

Greed and Selfishness: The Double-Edged Sword of Human Nature

"The heart of man is never satisfied, like a snake swallowing an elephant," this saying profoundly reveals the greedy side of human nature. Greed is an insatiable fire of desire within human nature, driving people to constantly pursue higher goals, more wealth, and greater power. However, when the fire of greed gets out of control, it can consume a person's reason and conscience, plunging them into an endless abyss.

Accompanying greed is selfishness. Selfishness is the instinctive reaction of human nature to protect oneself and pursue personal interests. In a world of limited resources, everyone strives for their own survival and reproduction, which is understandable. However, excessive selfishness can harm the interests of others and disrupt social harmony. Therefore, finding a balance between greed and selfishness has become a challenge that everyone must face.

Jealousy and Inferiority: The Underlying Currents of Human Nature

Jealousy is a universally present emotion in human nature. When we see others possessing what we desire, a sense of bitterness and unwillingness inevitably arises. However, jealousy is not entirely negative. Moderate jealousy can stimulate our fighting spirit, prompting us to work harder to pursue our goals. But excessive jealousy can lead to endless pain and hatred, even causing harm to others.

Closely related to jealousy is inferiority. Inferiority is a deeply hidden pain in human nature. Everyone encounters setbacks and failures during their growth, and these experiences often lead us to doubt and deny our own abilities. However, inferiority is not insurmountable. Through continuous effort and self-improvement, we can gradually overcome feelings of inferiority and regain confidence and courage.

Lust and Vanity: The Desires and Pursuits of Human Nature

Lust is a primal and intense desire in human nature. It drives people to pursue the opposite sex and reproduce. However, in modern society, lust is often imbued with more meanings and colors. It is not just about satisfying physiological needs, but also a psychological pursuit and fulfillment. However, excessive lust can lead one into a moral quagmire from which it is hard to escape.

Vanity is another common expression of desire in human nature. People crave recognition and praise from others, desiring a higher status and respect in society. This pursuit is not inherently wrong, but excessive vanity can lead one to lose themselves, falling into endless comparison and showiness.

Holding Grudges and Forgetting Gratitude: The Grievances and Hatreds in Human Nature

Holding grudges and forgetting gratitude are two entirely different emotional expressions in human nature. Those who hold grudges often cannot let go of past grievances; while those who forget gratitude easily overlook the help and kindness others have shown them. Both emotions have their rationality in human nature, but excessive grudges and forgetfulness can damage the harmony and stability of interpersonal relationships.

People who hold grudges often dwell on minor issues and may go to great lengths to retaliate. Such behavior not only harms themselves but also others. On the other hand, those who forget gratitude can cause others to feel cold and lose trust and respect. Therefore, we should learn to be tolerant and grateful, treating others' mistakes and shortcomings with an open heart.

Laziness and Diligence: Two Attitudes Toward Life in Human Nature

Laziness and diligence are two entirely different attitudes toward life in human nature. Lazy people often seek comfort and ease, unwilling to put in effort and sweat; while diligent people continuously pursue progress and growth, willing to work hard for their goals.

While laziness may provide temporary relaxation and enjoyment, over time it can lead to a loss of ambition and vitality, ultimately resulting in nothing accomplished. Diligence, on the other hand, is a positive and upward attitude toward life that allows us to continually surpass ourselves and realize our values and dreams. Therefore, we should abandon lazy thoughts, embrace the spirit of diligence, and use our own hands to create a beautiful future.

Pursuing Benefits and Avoiding Harm: The Survival Wisdom in Human Nature

Pursuing benefits and avoiding harm are two basic survival wisdoms in human nature. Pursuing benefits means that people actively seek things that are advantageous to themselves; while avoiding harm means that people try to avoid things that are harmful to themselves. Both types of wisdom have their rationality in human nature, helping us better adapt to our environment and protect ourselves.

However, in real life, we often face many complex situations and choices. Sometimes we need to make difficult decisions between pursuing benefits and avoiding harm. At such times, we need to use our wisdom and judgment to weigh the pros and cons and make choices that best align with our interests.

Conformity and Independence: The Group and Individual in Human Nature

Conformity and independence are two contradictory yet interdependent emotional expressions in human nature. Conformity refers to people being influenced by the group and behaving in accordance with the group; while independence refers to people insisting on their own views and choices without being disturbed by others.

The psychology of conformity can help us better integrate into society and adapt to our environment; but excessive conformity can lead us to lose ourselves and our ability to think independently. Independence, on the other hand, is key to maintaining our individuality and realizing our self-worth. Therefore, we should find a balance between conformity and independence, being able to integrate into society while maintaining our individuality.

Disguise and Authenticity: The Multiplicity of Human Nature

Disguise and authenticity are two entirely different expressions in human nature. Disguise refers to people intentionally hiding their true thoughts and feelings for a certain purpose; while authenticity refers to people honestly expressing their thoughts and feelings without concealment or pretense.

Disguise can help us protect ourselves and avoid conflict to some extent; but excessive disguise can lead us to lose sincerity and trust, ultimately isolating us. Authenticity, on the other hand, is a brave and honest attitude that allows us to build deeper relationships with others and gain more support and help. Therefore, we should learn to find a balance between disguise and authenticity, protecting ourselves while maintaining sincerity and trust.

Learning to Explore the Self in Complexity and Authenticity of Human Nature

Human nature is a complex and profound theme that encompasses countless emotions and traits. In the process of exploring human nature, we find that its complexity and diversity leave us both confused and amazed. However, it is precisely this complexity and diversity that constitute our rich and colorful lives.

In the days to come, may we all face the complexity and authenticity of human nature with a peaceful and inclusive heart. While pursuing our self-worth and dreams, we can also pay attention to the feelings and needs of others. Let us work hand in hand to create a more harmonious and beautiful world together.

This is precisely:

The seven emotions and six desires paint the world,

Good and evil are hard to distinguish, always intertwined.

May I ask about the dream of Zhuangzi back then,

How does the butterfly dance gracefully?