[Dead Dog]

I wanted to introduce this concept into debate: Is Human Nature Constant?

It is a founding point in the arguement for and against Socialism/Communism, Constructionists vs. "Living Document" types, and it ties in with the argument that all totalitarians are Left wing.

[ExSES]

Is Human Nature Constant?

Yes! That is why the study of history is so important!

[Dead Dog]

This author is a bit fruity-fluffy, but his points are the basis of conservatism (classic liberalism) vs. Progressivism/leftism.

[ladtx]

Is human nature constant?

The answer is an unequivocal yes. A reading of Aeschylus' Oresteia, Aristophanes' The Cloud, Sophocles' Electra and The Illiad by Homer shows us that man's nature has not changed since these classics were written. I recently read them, having never read them before. The one thing that I took away from them was we haven't changed one iota since they were written. I still don't know if that is good or bad. I lean toward the good because it shows we as a race at least are stable in our morality no matter how much the leftists try to change it.

[RightWhale]

Is Human Nature Constant?

One could say no progress is possible. Technological innovation that eliminates scarcity for most changes the environment and gives the illusion of progress, and education--especially passing on knowledge of systems of belief and behavior--gives young people a headstart in moral decision-making, but the apparent progress would be sustained only while technological civilization continues. If that day comes that--in spite of technology--scarcity returns, it will be Lord of the Flies again.

[tpaine]

There will also be people who will be driven to control, grasp, change and dominate. History is essentially a constant litany of those who lust for power.
This appetite can come armed and cruel, with overt evil, or softly with high purpose and honeyed words.

And, bless us, many of us will succumb to it. The misery in our history is perhaps testimony to our gullibility.
_____________________________________


Bless those who succumb to the lust for power? How gullible can we get?

The time is long overdue to re-establish our constitutionally ruled republic, and throw both the statists of the right and the socialists of the left out of power.