Human Nature

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Many people pnder on the purpose of life; what is humanities goal in life or purpose in life? Different religions offer different insights however most believe in being “humane”. What does being humane mean though? Can humans as we know them (human nature) “humane”? Voltaire and Alexander Pope discuss this idea of human nature and the essence of life as they perceive it in “Candide” and “An Essay on Man” respectively. Although Alexander Pope and Voltaire present conflicting views on the purpose of man, both Pope and Voltaire in characterize humans as greedy, egoistical and constantly dissatisfied beings. Pope and Voltaire present many aspects of life, such as social hierarchy, knowledge and religion, but they discuss them in fairly different manners and perspectives. Pope believes in the mechanical way of life; humans have a set role and position in life and should not try to rise, rather maintain and fulfill their positions. Voltaire on the other hand, presents life as free will, where humans should make their own choices.

Pope discusses his view on life and human nature in a poetic form, dividing stanzas unto different metaphors, emphasizing on certain aspects of human nature and life at a time. Furthermore, Pope goes into detail and questions the curiosity of man and mocks why they “ask of thy mother earth, why oaks are made/ Taller or stronger than the weeds they shade?” (41) By his mocking attitude, Pope is trying to convey his personal thoughts on human’s quest for knowledge, Pope abhors it. Pope explicitly state that “the great chain, that draws all to agree, /And drawn supports, upheld by God, or thee?” (41) Once again, Pope questions man, his actions and his beliefs. In context with the text surrounding the quote, Pope i...

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...s essay and Voltaire’s opinion on it. Pope and Voltaire write to condemn man, his prejudice, greed, ego, and all else that defines man, tearing down the belief of a perfect world. Contrary to Pope however, Voltaire believes society should be intermingling, changing and transforming, the exact things that Pope insults and abhors in his poem. Although “Candide” and “An Essay on Man” discussed similar topics, there were many ideas presented that are contrary, like the purpose of man, and many ideas that are in agreement, like the characterization of humans as generally abominable and greedy beings. The message that I get from both author’s combined is; humans are naturally, greedy, egoistic, and jealous beings, however, with their own will, they can surpass all these feelings. Strong will can overcome many hopeless predicaments.

Works Cited

An essay on Man

Candide

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