Hsun Tzu Human Nature Essay

Human Nature is the characteristics, actions, and traits of humanity. With that being said, there have been many studies on whether humanity if purely evil or good? One individual who has spoken on their perspective about human nature is a Chinese scholar and philosopher of 300 BCE, Hsun Tzu. Tzu believed that human nature was evil, we had no good in us, that the good we perceived was based on society and instruction (Hsun Tzu 84-85). In my opinion, human nature is devious and destructive. Personally, destructive is causing damage to something or someone without the feeling of remorse. Devious is a conniving and cowardly action used toward someone to please oneself. My claim is supported by history, war, and nature itself.

Generally speaking, the United States history is devious and destructive. Throughout the country’s history, we can see examples of these two notions. From the beginning of slavery, we have seen the results of that time period. When dealing with slavery the civilization seems to discuss the slavery in the United Sates. However, it did not begin there. It began with the tribes in Africa

sealing their rivals to the Europeans. This is an example of destruction. As a result of that action, we have come to violence in the United States. A quote that supports this statement is by Hsun Tzu, who says, “The nature of man is such that he is born with a fondness for profit,” (Hsun Tzu 86-87).This statement is substantial when discussing destruction and devious. From the founding of America we, as humans were corrupt. People took the land from Native Americans and made them leave their native land. They began the Trail of Tears, which left them in isolation and the destruction of their people.
Furthermore, war also played a considerable amount in United States history. George S. Patton once said, “The object of war is not to die for your country but, to make the other bastard die for his.” This shows the idea that human nature is devious and destructive. The United States is the world’s superpower. We are seen as the big brother and other countries depend on us as we depend on other countries. However, everything cannot be solved with a peace treaty. Many issues are resolved by contention. According to Hsun Tzu,” a man must be transformed by the instructions of a teacher…the man’s nature is evil, and that his goodness is the result of conscious activity” (Hsun Tzu 85). This quote means that mankind must actively and willingly participate in the laws of the land to be admirable. It takes an effort on our part to do good. This can be expressed through the events of the Middle East. They overthrew their leader and it left corruption on top of corruption. The big brother, United States, had to intercede to give guidance. As seen through the events of war, through Iraq and other wars we have resulted in terrorist groups. Likewise, ISIS has killed an abounding amount of innocent people.
Lastly, human nature can be seen as devious and destructive by observing nature itself.

Nature is only about survival. Humans co-exist with our environment and other species. In nature, beasts obliterate other beasts. As an example, a lion will attack the back of a zebra, which can be seen as a conning or disingenuous tactic. According to Xuni Zi, “ If you do not know a man, look at his friends; if you don not know a ruler, look at his attendants” (Xuni Zi 92). Furthermore, animals and humans do not have allies. At the end of the day, an animal or man will only look out for themselves. An example that supports that statement is a baby will kill their other sibling while in the womb. Yet, they have not been born. So, when they are birthed are they not already evil? Humans being at the top of the food chain can mutilate the most

innocent.
In conclusion, human nature is devious and destructive. All forms of life are concerned with themselves. Throughout history, war, and nature itself, this view is prevalent. With many questions on whether human nature is good or evil, I can convey that human nature is evil. With many studies in the world, I am sure there will always be different views. One must monitor the actions of the human species and know laws and guidance are protecting us from ourselves, our true nature.