On 30/11/10 19:00, Jim Devine wrote: > Jay Hanson wrote: >> Yes, common physical and mental characteristics across all humans. When >> I use the term �"human nature," I am using it as contemporary scientists >> (biologists, etc.) use it. Humans are social animals, both competing and >> cooperating simultaneously. > > Interestingly, that fits with J-J Rousseau's perspective (which was > _not_ that humans are "blank slates," contrary to that fool Steven > Pinker). He saw us as having two basic instincts: self-preservation > and empathy for others.
"Poor human nature, what horrible crimes have been committed in thy name! Every fool, from king to policeman, from the flatheaded parson to the visionless dabbler in science, presumes to speak authoritatively of human nature. The greater the mental charlatan, the more definite his insistence on the wickedness and weaknesses of human nature. Yet, how can any one speak of it today, with every soul in a prison, with every heart fettered, wounded, and maimed?" _______________________________________________ pen-l mailing list [email protected] https://lists.csuchico.edu/mailman/listinfo/pen-l
