Morgan Clouser Assistant Researcher 

Dr. Jeanine DeFalco  site Resident/Contributor

Dr. Jim Hardy site Resident/Academic Advisor/Contributor

John Honeycutt Webmaster/Designer

Dr. Maya Parson Special Project Resident Human Nature Interviews

Dr. Lisa Jo Rudy site Resident/Contributor

Dr. Cheree Williams site Resident/Contributor

I am looking forward to their insights on the topic of human nature as it relates to their areas of experience and research. 

These new collaborators will introduce themselves here and in the resident blog/vlog posting.

Thank you so much for bringing this discussion to the forum. It is very much appreciated!

"When you know better, you do better" is a very interesting statement to me because "knowing better" is commonly used when someone does something that they should know not to do. "They should know better". One of the goals of the human nature forum is to help people realize that there are powerful forces in us that sometimes prompt us to do things that we know are not going to end well. Being consciously aware that these impulses are a natural part of human nature that we need to counteract by establishing habitual behavior patterns that help us to do what we know we should in difficult situations. For example we may establish a habit of responding to a disrespectful email the next day rather than in the heat of the moment, or we may establish a habit of getting started on an assignment right away by reassuring yourself that "I'm just going to work on this for a few minutes right now to break the ice on the project, then I will take some rest". Knowing what our productive and destructive tendencies are allows us to make a plan and gain greater control over our actions. Happy Holidays to All!

A very strong part of our nature as humans is to solve problems. Recognizing that it is a problem when we don't allow space for the other person to meet their needs activates a natural desire to address this situation by using our rational minds to counteract our tendencies to always put ourselves first. (I hope this is possible.)

If we begin from the assumption that human nature predisposes all of us to do antisocial (bad) things, and that we need to formulate corrective strategies and social structures to counteract those destructive tendencies it puts us in a productive state of mindfulness and contemplation that can possibly put a check on some of our hurtful behavior towards others. 

It is very interesting to me that these ideas are found so far in the past as well as reoccurring in both eastern and western thought.  

Respect for differences is a fundamental aspect of building a more inclusive and accepting community. Encouraging open dialogue and promoting a culture of respect can go a long way in bridging gaps and promoting understanding.

Indeed, social media and online platforms have brought several positive changes to our lives. They have expanded our social networks, making it easier to maintain long-distance relationships and find like-minded individuals who share our interests. The convenience of instant messaging and video calls has bridged geographical gaps, enhancing our interpersonal connections even when physical proximity is a challenge. These platforms have also streamlined the process of organizing social gatherings, making it easier to stay connected with friends and family.

However, as you rightly pointed out, there are downsides to the prevalence of social media. The emphasis on curating online personas can sometimes lead to superficial connections, where people prioritize how they are perceived over genuine self-expression. Excessive reliance on online communication may reduce face-to-face interactions, potentially compromising the depth and authenticity of relationships.

Education indeed has a profound impact on how individuals perceive themselves and others, as well as the values they hold. It can serve as a means of passing down cultural histories and traditions, allowing particular cultures to maintain relevance and continuity.

You also make an important point about the inequality in access to education. While formal education is theoretically available to all, disparities in resources, quality, and opportunities can lead to unequal access. Higher education can be a powerful tool for personal growth and life navigation, but it's crucial to acknowledge that not everyone has the same access to these opportunities.

Education indeed plays a pivotal role in securing respect from society and ensuring a comfortable lifestyle. It equips individuals with the qualifications and knowledge needed to stand out in the job market, increasing their chances of finding fulfilling employment.

Moreover, education is a catalyst for economic growth, as it empowers individuals to apply their knowledge wisely and improve the lives of others. It nurtures critical and logical thinking, enabling individuals to make independent decisions and tackle challenging issues as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

Furthermore, education can turn weaknesses into strengths by providing tools and problem-solving skills. It enhances mental agility, enabling better decision-making and the ability to take action when necessary. Research has shown that educated individuals, particularly women, are better equipped to combat gender bias and marital violence due to their improved decision-making capabilities.

"Education matters for people at all stages of life. But what is the purpose of education? This quintessential question must be asked before we can assess if our education systems are delivering on their promise. Should the goal of education be to develop human flourishing, or should it be to meet the demands of ‘homo economicus’?"

Education indoctrinates people into certain beliefs. Values and beliefs are birthed and shared through education. We learn how to think about ourselves and others through education. Formal education gets the attention, however informal education is what shapes us. Improvement is relative to your point of view and your personal agenda. That's why particular cultures choose to educate their own. That's how their histories stay relevant and continue to passed down

Education can also be seen as the unequal equalizer. Everyone has access, however not everyone has access to the same types of education. While it is true that pedagogy, andragogy, and heutagogy exposes us to many areas of concepts and intellectual achievements, the advancement of higher education provides us with the necessary tools to maneuver throughout life.

It is clear that, Education plays a very vital role in shaping society, mindsets, values and behavior as they influence our everyday interactions. Lack of education could lead to a plethora of unhealthy life events, options, and opportunities. I believe education and human nature go hand and hand. As a mid 40’s, first time college student, it is important for me to expand my knowledge, improve my mindset and demonstrate to my children that you can achieve an education at any age and break generational curses.