Human nature is a subject of intense debate, however, few disagree that such a thing exists. Understanding human nature helps us to understand human history, ourselves, and others we interact with far better.

Are human beings good or not? And does this question even make sense? These are the main questions ultimately explored when one tackles the sticky and difficult topic of human nature.

Indeed, human nature is a tricky thing. We are, after all, the only species who can reflect on our own nature, thus providing both the capacity to transcend it in the individual sense and change it in the collective sense. Viewing human nature as something in constant flux provides another layer to human nature—part of our nature is the ability to change that nature.

Perhaps the competing viewpoints of human nature are each true in their own way, providing an overlapping picture of the lot the human race is consigned to. That is why we have dug up so many quotes about human nature that seem to contradict one another: Because we believe that each provides a shard of the truth about the broader picture of human nature.

Read these quotes and attempt to see the overlapping wisdom contained in each. It will provide you with a multi-faceted insight into what human nature truly is.

 

Quotes About Human Flaws and Humanity’s Errors

Anna C. Salter

“We mute the realization of malevolence – which is too threatening to bear – by turning offenders into victims themselves and by describing their behavior as the result of forces beyond their control.”

– Anna C. Salter

Anna C. Salter on Human Nature Quotes

In her profound observation, Anna C. Salter delves into the intricate dynamics of societal response to malevolent actions. By reframing offenders as victims of circumstances beyond their control, we shield ourselves from the discomfort of confronting their inherent malevolence. This coping mechanism allows us to evade the unsettling truth that evil exists within individuals. Consequently, we obscure accountability and responsibility, perpetuating a cycle of justification for wrongdoing. Salter’s insight exposes the tendency to sanitize reality, blurring the lines between perpetrator and victim, thereby hindering genuine understanding and addressing the root causes of malevolence.

 

Carl Jung

“You can take away a man’s gods, but only to give him others in return.

– Carl Jung

Carl Jung on Human Nature Quotes

In this concise yet profound statement, Carl Jung elucidates the enduring human propensity to seek meaning and belief systems. Even if one’s traditional gods are stripped away, whether through skepticism, disillusionment, or societal shifts, the innate human need for spiritual connection persists. Jung suggests that in the absence of one set of beliefs, individuals inevitably gravitate towards new ideologies or constructs to fill the void. This dynamic underscores the fundamental role of spirituality in human existence, as well as the adaptability of the human psyche in constructing and embracing diverse systems of meaning and faith.

 

Carl Jung

“The greatest burden a child must bear is the unlived life of its parents.”

– Carl Jung

Carl Jung on Human Nature Quotes

Carl Jung’s poignant reflection delves into the profound impact of parental aspirations and unfulfilled dreams on their children. Within the family dynamic, unfulfilled ambitions and unresolved conflicts of parents can inadvertently shape the experiences and expectations of their offspring. Children may internalize these unrealized desires, carrying them as burdensome expectations or unspoken obligations. Jung suggests that the weight of these unlived lives can influence the psychological development and life choices of the next generation, highlighting the interconnectedness of familial legacies and the enduring influence of parental narratives on the trajectory of a child’s life.

 

William Shakespeare

“We all are men, in our own natures frail, and capable of our flesh; few are angels.”

– William Shakespeare, Henry VIII

William Shakespeare on Human Nature Quotes

In this poignant observation from Shakespeare’s “Henry VIII,” the playwright delves into the essence of humanity’s inherent frailty and vulnerability. Regardless of stature or station, each individual is bound by the limitations of their mortal flesh, susceptible to the same weaknesses and imperfections. Shakespeare acknowledges the universal human condition, emphasizing our shared humanity amidst our diverse experiences. By acknowledging our common fragility, he reminds us that while some may aspire to angelic qualities, the reality is that few can transcend the inherent flaws of our earthly existence, underscoring the complexity and depth of the human experience.

 

Sigmund Freud

“Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.”

– Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud on Human Nature Quotes

Sigmund Freud’s penetrating insight highlights a fundamental paradox of human nature: the desire for freedom coexists with a reluctance to embrace its accompanying responsibility. While many yearn for autonomy and liberation, the prospect of shouldering the consequences of one’s choices instills fear and apprehension. Freud contends that this fear of accountability often outweighs the longing for freedom, leading individuals to gravitate towards structures or authorities that offer security in exchange for relinquishing autonomy. By illuminating this tension, Freud underscores the intricate interplay between human desire for liberation and the inherent aversion to the demands of autonomy.

 

Albert Camus

“Man is the only creature who refuses to be what he is.”

– Albert Camus

Albert Camus on Human Nature Quotes

Albert Camus encapsulates the human condition with striking simplicity, pointing out the paradoxical nature of humanity. Despite possessing the capacity for self-awareness and introspection, humans often resist embracing their true essence. Unlike other creatures that instinctively align with their innate nature, humans grapple with self-denial, societal pressures, and existential angst, leading to a discordance between their authentic selves and societal expectations. Camus suggests that this refusal to fully embrace one’s identity and essence is a unique characteristic of humanity, illustrating the complexities of self-awareness, societal conformity, and the perpetual quest for meaning and authenticity in the human experience.

 

G. K. Chesterton

“There runs a strange law through the length of human history – that men are continually tending to undervalue their environment, to undervalue their happiness, to undervalue themselves. The great sin of mankind, the sin typified by the fall of Adam, is the tendency, not towards pride, but towards this weird and horrible humility.”

– G. K. Chesterton

G. K. Chesterton on Human Nature Quotes

In this profound observation, G.K. Chesterton explores a paradox inherent in human nature: the tendency to undervalue oneself, one’s surroundings, and one’s own happiness. Chesterton suggests that throughout history, humanity has struggled with a peculiar form of humility, not rooted in genuine modesty, but rather in a distorted perception of one’s worth and significance. He likens this tendency to the biblical narrative of Adam’s fall, where humanity’s sin is not arrogance or pride, but rather a misguided sense of unworthiness. Chesterton challenges the notion that humility is always virtuous, cautioning against diminishing one’s value and potential through self-deprecation and neglect of happiness.

 

Edgar Allen Poe

“I have no faith in human perfectibility. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active – not more happy – nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.”

– Edgar Allen Poe

Edgar Allen Poe on Human Nature Quotes

Edgar Allan Poe offers a sobering perspective on human progress and potential in this quote. He expresses skepticism towards the notion of human perfectibility, believing that despite centuries of exertion and advancement, humanity’s fundamental nature remains unchanged. Poe contends that while humans may be more industrious and engaged in various pursuits, this increased activity has not translated into a commensurate increase in happiness or wisdom. By drawing a parallel between contemporary times and millennia past, he challenges the optimism surrounding human progress, suggesting a persistent stagnation in the core aspects of human existence over millennia.

 

Winston Churchill

“The optimist was the man who did not mind what happened so long as it did not happen to him. The pessimist was the man who lived with the optimist.”

– Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill on Human Nature Quotes

Winston Churchill, known for his sharp wit, contrasts the perspectives of optimists and pessimists in this quote. He characterizes the optimist as someone who remains indifferent to events as long as they don’t directly affect them, implying a certain detachment from reality. In contrast, the pessimist, by living with the optimist, is forced to confront the harshness of the world, often serving as a grounding force. Churchill’s observation highlights the tension between optimism and realism, suggesting that while optimism can provide a sense of hope, it may also be tinged with naivety, whereas pessimism acknowledges the complexities and challenges of life.

 

Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn

“If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?”

– Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago (1918-1956)

Solzhenitsyn on Human Nature Quotes

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, in his seminal work “The Gulag Archipelago,” confronts the simplistic notion of evil as external to humanity. He laments the fallacy that evil resides solely in others, easily identifiable and removable. Instead, he delves into the profound truth that the dichotomy between good and evil is inherent within every individual. Solzhenitsyn argues that acknowledging this truth requires a willingness to confront the darkness within ourselves, a daunting task few are prepared to undertake. By recognizing the universal struggle between good and evil within the human heart, he challenges us to confront our own capacity for both virtue and malevolence.

 

Henry Miller

“Certainly paradise, whatever, wherever it be, contains flaws. (Paradisical flaws, if you like.) If it did not, it would be incapable of drawing the hearts of men or angels.”

– Henry Miller, Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch

Henry Miller on Human Nature Quotes

Henry Miller’s reflection on paradise in “Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch” offers a nuanced perspective on perfection. He suggests that even paradise, whatever form it may take, must inherently possess imperfections or “paradisical flaws” to captivate the hearts of beings. Miller contends that flaws within paradise render it relatable and engaging, drawing the interest and affections of both humanity and celestial beings. This assertion challenges the conventional notion of perfection as flawless, proposing instead that imperfections add depth and allure to the concept of paradise, enriching its appeal and inviting deeper contemplation.

 

George Orwell

“On the whole human beings want to be good, but not too good, and not quite all the time.”

– George Orwell, All Art Is Propaganda: Critical Essays

George Orwell on Human Nature Quotes

George Orwell’s astute observation from “All Art Is Propaganda: Critical Essays” reflects on the complex nature of human morality. He suggests that while individuals generally aspire to goodness, there exists a reluctance to fully commit to virtuous behavior at all times. Orwell implies that people desire a balance, striving for goodness yet allowing for occasional lapses or moral ambiguity. This sentiment underscores the human tendency towards moderation and self-interest, acknowledging the challenge of consistently upholding moral standards without exception. Orwell’s insight prompts reflection on the nuances of human ethics and the delicate balance between aspiration and practicality in moral conduct.

 

Albert Einstein

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.”

– Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein on Human Nature Quotes

Albert Einstein’s wry humor shines through in this timeless quote, encapsulating a profound observation on human nature. By juxtaposing the vastness of the universe with the seemingly limitless capacity for human folly, Einstein offers a playful yet incisive commentary. While acknowledging the boundlessness of the cosmos, he humorously suggests that human stupidity may rival it. This statement serves as a reminder of the paradoxical combination of human intellect and fallibility, inviting contemplation on the complexities of human behavior and the mysteries of existence. Through wit and insight, Einstein prompts reflection on the enduring enigma of human folly amidst the grandeur of the universe.

 

W.E.B Du Bois

“Eastward and westward storms are breaking, great, ugly whirlwinds of hatred and blood and cruelty. I will not believe them inevitable.”

– W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B Du Bois on Human Nature Quotes

In this powerful quote by W.E.B. Du Bois, the imagery of “eastward and westward storms” symbolizes the global spread of conflict and injustice. Du Bois rejects the fatalistic notion of these storms being inevitable, emphasizing his refusal to accept the perpetuation of hatred, bloodshed, and cruelty. His words resonate with a determination to challenge the status quo, to confront systemic oppression and violence head-on. By rejecting the inevitability of these storms, Du Bois calls for action, urging individuals to actively resist and strive towards a more just and compassionate world, despite the tumultuous forces that may oppose it.

 

Quotes About the Goodness of Human Beings and Humanism

Jean-Paul Sartre

“Life has no meaning a priori…It is up to you to give it a meaning, and value is nothing but the meaning that you choose.”

– Jean-Paul Sartre

Jean-Paul Sartre on Human Nature Quotes

Jean-Paul Sartre’s quote encapsulates existential philosophy’s essence, highlighting life’s inherent lack of predetermined significance. Instead, he asserts that individuals possess the power to imbue life with meaning through their choices and actions. Sartre emphasizes personal responsibility in defining one’s existence, suggesting that value arises from the subjective meanings individuals attribute to their experiences. This viewpoint empowers individuals to embrace their freedom and agency, shaping their lives according to their own values and purposes. Ultimately, Sartre’s perspective challenges us to confront the existential void and find meaning through self-determined paths of significance and fulfillment.

 

Alexander Hamilton

“The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for among old parchments or musty records. They are written, as with a sunbeam, in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of the divinity itself, and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power.”

– Alexander Hamilton , The Farmer Refuted, February 23, 1775

Alexander Hamilton on Human Nature Quotes

Alexander Hamilton’s quote from “The Farmer Refuted” underscores the intrinsic and immutable nature of human rights. He rejects the idea that rights are mere products of historical documents, asserting instead that they are inherent in human nature, divinely ordained, and unalterable by any earthly authority. Hamilton evokes a sense of reverence, likening these rights to divine inscriptions, radiant and eternal. By invoking this imagery, he emphasizes the universal and transcendent quality of human rights, positioning them beyond the reach of temporal powers. Hamilton’s words serve as a timeless reminder of the sacredness and inviolability of human dignity and liberty.

 

Alexander Hamilton

“There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.”

– Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton on Human Nature Quotes

In this quote, Alexander Hamilton encapsulates the transformative power of liberty on human nature. He suggests that the presence of freedom ignites an innate enthusiasm within individuals, propelling them to transcend their ordinary selves and exhibit acts of courage and heroism. Hamilton implies that liberty serves as a catalyst for elevating human behavior, inspiring people to defy their limitations and embrace valorous deeds in defense of their freedoms. By emphasizing the connection between liberty and acts of bravery, Hamilton highlights the profound impact that the pursuit of freedom has on shaping the collective character and spirit of humanity.

 

Kurt Vonnegut

“Being a Humanist means trying to behave decently without expectation of rewards or punishment after you are dead.”

– Kurt Vonnegut

Kurt Vonnegut on Human Nature Quotes

Kurt Vonnegut succinctly captures the essence of Humanism with this quote. He defines Humanism as a philosophy centered on ethical behavior devoid of the promise of divine retribution or reward in an afterlife. Rather than seeking salvation or fearing damnation, Humanists advocate for decency rooted in compassion, empathy, and rationality. Vonnegut’s words emphasize the intrinsic value of goodness and integrity, emphasizing the importance of living a morally upright life for its own sake, rather than for external validation. This perspective encourages individuals to prioritize empathy and ethical conduct in their interactions, fostering a more humane and equitable society.

 

Bertrand Russell

“Remember your humanity, and forget the rest.”

– Bertrand Russell

Bertrand Russell on Human Nature Quotes

Bertrand Russell’s concise yet profound quote serves as a poignant reminder of what truly matters in life. By urging individuals to “remember your humanity,” Russell emphasizes the importance of maintaining empathy, kindness, and compassion towards others. In a world often consumed by materialism, ambition, and conflict, he advises us to prioritize our shared humanity above all else. By doing so, we can foster understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect, transcending differences and building a more inclusive and harmonious society. Russell’s words resonate as a timeless call to embrace our common humanity, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.

 

Voltaire

“We are intelligent beings: intelligent beings cannot have been formed by a crude, blind, insensible being: there is certainly some difference between the ideas of Newton and the dung of a mule. Newton’s intelligence, therefore, came from another intelligence.”

– Voltaire

Voltaire on Human Nature Quotes

Voltaire’s quote encapsulates the essence of the argument from design, positing that the complexity and intelligence evident in humans, such as the intellect of Newton, cannot be attributed to random chance or blind forces. He contrasts the intricate ideas of great thinkers like Newton with the simplicity of natural phenomena, such as animal excrement. Voltaire suggests that the stark contrast between human intelligence and crude matter necessitates the existence of a higher intelligence responsible for the design of intelligent beings. This perspective aligns with the notion of a creator or divine intelligence shaping the complexities of the universe.

 

Isaac Asimov

“Humanists recognize that it is only when people feel free to think for themselves, using reason as their guide, that they are best capable of developing values that succeed in satisfying human needs and serving human interests.”

– Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov on Human Nature Quotes

Isaac Asimov’s quote encapsulates the essence of Humanism, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy and critical thinking in shaping values and fulfilling human needs. By advocating for freedom of thought and reason as guiding principles, Asimov highlights Humanism’s commitment to rational inquiry and intellectual independence. He suggests that when individuals are liberated to think for themselves, they are better equipped to discern values that promote human well-being and advancement. This perspective underscores Humanism’s focus on human agency and empowerment, recognizing the inherent capacity of individuals to cultivate meaningful lives grounded in reason, compassion, and ethical principles.

 

Laura Ingalls Wilder

“There is good in everything, if only we look for it.”

– Laura Ingalls Wilder

Laura Ingalls Wilder on Human Nature Quotes

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s quote encapsulates an optimistic perspective on life, emphasizing the potential for finding goodness even in the most challenging or adverse circumstances. By urging individuals to actively seek out the positive aspects of any situation, Wilder promotes a mindset of gratitude and resilience. Her words inspire a shift in perspective, encouraging people to focus on the silver linings and opportunities for growth, rather than dwelling on negativity or despair. This quote serves as a reminder of the power of optimism and the capacity for finding beauty and goodness in the world around us, even amidst difficulties.