Another Question!

[Death Eye]

Alright, so last time I had a sociological question to ask it set off a bit of a discussion. Unfortunately, I don't think this one will.

The paper says:

Interview at least 15 people. Ask them what they would identify as traits of "human nature."

And this time the situation is far more urgent. By Monday I need the 15 responses, and we've been offered three days in class of watching Trading Places with Eddie Murphy as motivation to actually do it, since most of the class was late to get it done last time. And I'm probably not going anywhere this weekend where I can ask other people.
So basically, if I don't get 15 responses from here at GFF a mob of about 13 angry high school juniors and seniors (and a sophomore) will kill me, decapitate me, and have me hanged, in that order. ( )
So any response would be appreciated. Even if you've already posted a response, a slightly different response will still help.
Thanks!

[Deleted]

Human nature as opposed to animal nature?

Well, we consume. It's what we live for, to consume and advance. Also, beyond all other animals we like to be entertained, to have eccentric needs filled such as certain deserts and sins we have given ourselves. One of the few animals in the position to pamper themselves thus creating complex and often abnormal desires.

It's in human nature to often fear for things that are immaterial. Our relationships are so convoluted it has reached the point where it is far beyond the base instinct of clustering together for survival and delves into reverse psychology often for needs of attention.

It's in human nature, often to apply a level of cognitive dissonance when doing things that we know are wrong. Performing mental acrobatics to often make ourselves feel comfortable even when deep down we aren't.

[Death Eye]

I suppose I should have been a bit more specific. The question was intended to refer to natural human traits as opposed to the things that humans learn. One of those nature-nurture things.
Also, I need to be able to put these responses into list form, so an explicit statement of what the traits you are explaining are would be very much appreciated.

[Deleted]

Curiosity and the instinctual desire to expand.

Eccentric wishes above base needs such as food water and shelter.

Complex social interaction beyond base pack and hive mentality.

Cognitive Dissonance.

And I believe these things aren't result of nurture, that they are instinct for man at this point.

[Deleted]

I had written a post describing my take on human nature, but my mum turned of the wireless net work before I posted it (grumble)
In list forms, I agree with verse's ideas, but I also want to add some positive ones.
desire (all actions stem from a desire to please ones self)
compassion and empathy (at least most of us do...)
creativity (for better or worse)

[Deleted]

^ While I agree that compassion and empathy are apparent in humans, I'd like to point out that it's actually wide spread in the animal kingdom. Perhaps it's not to the entire extent we have it, however the concept over all is not an exclusive human trait.

[Viroth]

Hmmm, most interesting. I'm not entirely certain if I'm capable of really speaking in this, but I'll give it a go for your sake.

1. Competitive - I believe that humans, by nature, have an instinct to be better than others of the species, especially in a social group.

2. Indulgent - Human's love to have pleasure. More than that, they love to keep having a sustained amount of pleasure. When humans indulge in natural things, such as eating, in a bit of excess, it pleases them. Pleasure for Humans = Good. Doing things in excess usually feels good, so Indulging = Good

3. Dominant - Humans enjoy being better than others. More than that, they are pleased when they see that not only are they better than others, they are in control of them.

4. Ignorant - Being creatures of pleasure, humans run into things that don't please them. As such, they try their hardest to forget the less pleasureful things.

5. Lustful - When not being pleased, humans try their hardest to imagine being pleased, or try to re-input the pleasure by remembering or fantasizing of it. Being lustful provides humans to constantly think about pleasure, and it drives them more to seek it.

That's what I can think of from the top of my head. And I mostly agree with what's been said, so I see no reason to write the same thing. If I've stated anything that's already been stated, my apologies.

[Deleted]

Apr 30, 2011 21:53:01 GMT @gotchaverse said:

^ While I agree that compassion and empathy are apparent in humans, I'd like to point out that it's actually wide spread in the animal kingdom. Perhaps it's not to the entire extent we have it, however the concept over all is not an exclusive human trait.

I wasn't saying that it was exclusive, Its still a trait regardless if other animals have it.

[Death Eye]

Well, it's 12 AM where I live. It's officially Monday.
I was kind of hoping the apparent urgency of my situation would get more responses faster, but whatever, it's not important.
I can just say I got 15 responses that all said basically the same things you all said, and I still get the job done.
So, thank you, all who responded.
Anyone else with something to say can go ahead and post it, if you feel like it. It's not like I can stop you. (I would say no one can stop you but yourself, but Admin probably could...)

[Deleted]

your welcome, death eye! and I'm pretty sure admin wont close this thread

[Death Eye]

While he probably won't, he does have that ability. He could do it. Which is what I said.

[Death Eye]

May 2, 2011 9:48:35 GMT @alberenza said:

your welcome, death eye! and I'm pretty sure admin wont close this thread

I'm pretty sure he will now.

I'd say this topic has served its purpose, considering I've been out of that Sociology class for 2 months.

[njayhuang]

True, but that doesn't mean the topic can't function as just a discussion on human nature.