Photo by Nina Uhlikova
We humans like to think of ourselves as noble creatures striving toward progress and enlightenment.
We build cities that scrape the clouds, invent machines that mimic our minds, and paint portraits of a future bathed in romantic light. Yet, beneath the gleaming surface of civilization lurks a darker truth, a set of realities about human nature that sting like salt rubbed into a wound.
In Chet Shupe’s book on uncovering human nature, insights, and literature, Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature, he delves into the intricacies of human behavior caused by civilization’s destruction of happiness. The book offers profound insights that resonate with the bitter truths we will explore.
Moving on, let’s peel back the layers of our existence and confront the bitter truths that make us who we are.
Self-Interest Wins, Often
Despite appearances of kindness and teamwork, a basic instinct for self-survival quietly influences us. The idea of the “tragedy of the commons” isn’t just a theory; we see it in action every day, like using up Earth’s resources or focusing on personal gain rather than the common good.
While some people do selfless things, they’re often rare, like flickering candles in a big cave of self-interest.
We are Biased Beasts
Our brains have built-in shortcuts, called heuristics, to help us make quick decisions. However, these shortcuts can often lead us in the wrong direction. Confirmation bias is one such tendency, subtly favoring information that aligns with our beliefs while ignoring conflicting evidence.
We often get trapped by the sunk cost fallacy, holding onto failing pursuits simply because we’ve invested time or resources in them. Tribalism simplifies the world into clear-cut divisions, casting “us” as the virtuous heroes and “them” as the villainous outsiders.
While these biases may be hard to accept, they are deeply embedded in how our minds naturally operate.
Envy’s Green Glare
We may preach about contentment, but beneath the surface, a venomous serpent coils – envy. We often feel unhappy when others have something we don’t—a neighbor’s new car, a colleague’s promotion, a friend’s happy relationship.
Constantly comparing ourselves steals our joy and replaces it with bitterness and resentment. This envy might be a leftover instinct from our past, where competition for resources and mates was crucial for survival.
Power’s Corrosive Touch
Give someone a bit of control, and you’ll see them change. They might become arrogant instead of humble, indifferent instead of caring. Power is like a strong potion – it can make people lose touch with reality and feel they deserve special treatment.
Throughout history, there are many examples of good leaders becoming cruel tyrants, showing how power can really mess with people’s behavior.
The Paradox of Mortality
In our journey, we strive and dream amidst the shadow of our impermanence. The awareness of our mortality can be a bitter brew, causing existential dread and a search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless universe.
However, this awareness can also be the spark that ignites our passion, urging us to make the most of our fleeting existence.
Mortality may also destroy human happiness, just like civilization does, as explained in Chet Shupe’s book on uncovering human nature, insights, and literature, Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature.
But Wait, There’s Hope!
These bitter truths, while uncomfortable, are not pronouncements of doom. Recognizing our darker tendencies is the first step towards transcending them. Embrace the reality of the human journey—it’s not a fairy tale but a trek through challenges. By acknowledging these bitter truths, we discover our resilience and the potential for greatness.
If you’re intrigued by this exploration, Chet Shupe’s book on 0uncovering human nature, insights, and literature, Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature, is a must-read. Also, check out our blog about humanity’s desire for growth to delve more into human nature.