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On Human Nature Vocabulary
Observations about what it means to be human
8 words
All 8 Words
Hell is other people
Our identities are shaped and constrained by others' perceptions
“Sartre's character in No Exit: we are trapped in others' judgments.”
Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains
Society constrains the natural freedom we are born with
“Rousseau's opening to The Social Contract.”
To be is to be perceived
Existence depends on being observed or experienced
“Berkeley's idealism: esse est percipi.”
Man is a social animal
Humans are naturally inclined to live in communities
“Aristotle's insight: we flourish through connection.”
The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of
Emotion operates by a logic beyond rational analysis
“Pascal on the limits of pure reason in understanding love and faith.”
No man is an island
Humans are interconnected; no one is truly independent
“Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.”
The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation
Most people suppress their dissatisfaction and unfulfilled dreams
“Thoreau's observation on conformity and unexamined living.”
What does not kill me makes me stronger
Surviving hardship increases resilience
“Nietzsche on the transformative power of suffering.”
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