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Hsun Tzu's essay, "Man's Nature is Evil," explores the idea that human characteristics are inherently wicked. Through basic illustrations of jealousy and envy, the author argues that human nature is fundamentally evil. Tzu presents numerous examples to demonstrate that man's nature is evil, suggesting that acts of goodness stem from individuals going against their inherent evil impulses to uphold morality. By employing metaphors and historical references, Tzu effectively makes the case that man's nature is intrinsically evil. This analysis will examine Tzu's arguments and provide evidence to support the assertion that man's nature is inherently evil.
According to Hsun Tzu, evidence shows that man's nature is inherently evil, filled with jealousy and sin.
He believes that man is born with a desire for profit, as well as feelings of envy and hatred. Indulging in these emotions can lead to violence and crime, highlighting the evil nature of humanity. Competition among people, whether for jobs, possessions, or physical appearance, stems from jealousy and ultimately leads to sin and evil.
According to Tzu, one must be taught the societal "rules" to avoid becoming a criminal.
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If humans were innately good, would rules even be necessary? Tzu suggests that the existence of rules implies a doubt in human nature. He also suggests that the creation of laws was prompted by individuals who thought beyond their natural instincts. Tzu refers to these forward-thinking individuals as the Sages of society.
Tzu argues that true goodness only arises from deliberate actions, implying that mankind's inherent nature is corrupt and wicked.
This idea can be illustrated through the behavior of children, who are shaped and guided by their guardians. Without proper guidance, children would simply act on impulse and instinct. For instance, in a grocery store setting, children may take items without understanding the concept of stealing. It is through parental guidance that moral values and ethical principles are imparted onto the next generation.
Children do not understand the concepts of stealing and sharing until they are taught about them, showing that in their early state humans are selfish and only concerned with themselves. The only way for them to develop a sense of morality is through instruction, as Tzu argued. Parents play a crucial role in instilling good behavior in their children by providing guidance and setting expectations. Children often act based on instinct and innate emotions, so if their instincts do not lead them to do good, they must be guided towards it. This underscores the idea of man's inherent evil nature.
In "Man's Nature is Evil", Hsun Tzu effectively critiques his opponent, Mencius, who argues that human nature is inherently good. Mencius believes that man's capacity for learning stems from his inherently good nature, a point which Tzu disputes. Tzu criticizes Mencius for failing to distinguish between basic nature and conscious activity. Basic nature refers to how an individual would naturally respond to a situation without any prior teaching, while conscious activity involves applying learned knowledge. Tzu's main argument against Mencius revolves around the misunderstanding of these concepts. According to Tzu, man is inherently evil in nature but can be taught to be good through conscious activity.
Tzu continues the theme by explaining that conscious activity, such as the work of a carpenter, is not inherent but learned. This analogy effectively illustrates that specific skills and rules must be taught, as seen with a carpenter needing to be taught his trade. Similarly, a basketball player would not know how to dribble without instruction. The Sages who think consciously form the basis of our rules, just as a man who knows nothing about the game would not know where to start. Tzu applies this concept to humans' nature overall.
Suggesting that man is not inherently good, and that goodness is the result of deliberate action is the main point of the authors. Tzu asserts that, "Every man that desires to do good does so precisely because his nature is evil." The authors support this idea by pointing out how individuals desire things they do not possess, such as a poor man striving for wealth or an ugly man desiring beauty. This desire for what is lacking is ingrained in society, reflecting the notions of popularity and status. Tzu argues that this drive to acquire traits we do not possess reflects an inherently evil nature. According to Tzu, individuals are not born with innate "ritual principles". Life without these principles, according to Tzu, is described as "chaotic and full of irresponsibility", further supporting the idea that goodness is not inherent but must be consciously cultivated.
The author draws a parallel between warped wood and the inherent evil and twisted nature of man. Just like a warped board needs to be straightened with a straightening board and steamed into shape, an evil man needs the guidance of sage kings to be molded into a righteous individual. This comparison reflects the belief that man is inherently wicked, requiring societal norms to keep his nature in check. Without these rules, man would revert to his original state of evilness.
Tzu uses an analogy to illustrate his point: "A person with two feet is theoretically capable of walking to every corner of the earth, although in fact no one has ever found it possible to do so." By walking the earth, we show our potential for goodness through conscious action, but not all people will strive to overcome their innate tendencies. This is because humans typically act in accordance with their nature. Tzu suggests that by thinking deliberately, individuals can behave morally rather than immorally. While this may be the main issue in his arguments, it can be addressed by examining the overall nature of humanity. If humans were inherently good, wouldn't there be a greater number of wise individuals compared to the general population?
In his essay "Man's Nature is Evil," Tzu argues that human nature is fundamentally rooted in evil. By citing examples of jealousy and envy among people, the author demonstrates that the inherent nature of man is evil. Tzu's work provides various examples to support the claim that man's nature is evil, suggesting that goodness arises from a select group of conscious individuals who resist their evil tendencies to uphold morality. Through metaphors and observations of human behavior, Hsun Tzu's exploration confirms that human nature leans towards evil. Therefore, it can be concluded that man's nature is inherently evil.
The Evil Within: Hsun Tzu's Argument on Human Nature. (2016, Jul 22). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/mans-true-nature-essay
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