Human nature is complex and difficult to decipher. However, understanding human nature can help us make better individual and collective choices. If you are interested in understanding human nature, there are certain fields of study dedicated to human history, behaviors and relationships. This blog post will explore some of these fields and why they are important to us as human beings. 

Why should you understand human nature?

There are several reasons why you should understand human nature. Some of the most important include the following.

Key to communicating well 

One of the most important aspects of human nature is understanding how people communicate. This is essential in every area of life. By understanding human nature, we can better understand why people say what they do and how we can respond in a way that leads to productive conversations.

Tolerance and diversity 

In a world where we are increasingly connected, it is important to understand and accept the diversity of human nature. We must be tolerant of different cultures, races, religions and beliefs to live harmoniously. By understanding human nature, we can learn about our differences and similarities and how to respect and appreciate the differences that make us unique.

Better decision-making 

In a world full of choices, it is important to be able to make informed decisions. Understanding human nature can help us understand our own decision-making process and how we can make better choices for ourselves and for the world around us. We can study the behavioral patterns of the societies that existed before us to form our own set of values and structures.

Historical evidence

Human nature can also be studied by looking at the historical evidence of our ancestors. We can learn about their cultures, customs and beliefs to understand how they lived and how they interacted with the world around them. This knowledge can help us make better decisions in our own lives and give us a greater understanding of the human experience. 

Self-development 

Understanding human nature can help us develop as individuals. We can learn about our own emotions and how to manage them better. We can also understand the emotions of others and how to communicate with them more effectively. 

Less prone to psychological misjudgment 

Understanding human nature makes us less prone to psychological misjudgment. We can see the world more clearly and objectively, and this helps us make better decisions in our lives. We become less critical and judgmental of the actions and values of people different from us as we now have a better understanding of who they are.

Ability to recognize manipulation 

By understanding human nature, we also become better equipped to recognize when we are being manipulated. We can see through false pretenses of people who want to control us and our decisions. We can learn how to stand up for ourselves and protect our own interests.

A greater sense of empathy 

Finally, understanding human nature can help us develop a greater sense of empathy. We can see the world from other people’s perspectives and understand their experiences. We can feel compassion for others and work towards making the world a better place for everyone.

Key aspects of human nature 

The key aspects of human nature can be observed through our most basic needs, which are discussed below.

Physiological needs

The first and most basic need of human beings is for physical necessities. This includes food, water, shelter and clothing. All other needs are secondary to these basic needs.

Safety and security 

After our physical needs are met, we then have a need for safety and security. We want to feel safe from harm and secure in our environment. We need to know that our basic needs will be met and that we will not be in danger.

Belonging and love 

Once we feel safe and secure, we then require belonging and love. We want to feel accepted and loved by others. We want to feel like we belong to a group or community.

Esteem 

After we feel like we belong and are loved, we then need to feel good about ourselves. We need to feel respected and have a sense of self-worth. We need to feel like we are valuable members of society.

Self-actualization 

Finally, once all of our other needs are met, we can focus on self-actualization. This is the need to reach our full potential as human beings. We want to be the best that we can be and do the things that make us happy.

Spiritual 

Some people also believe that human beings have spiritual needs. This is the need for a connection to something greater than ourselves. We need to feel like we are part of something bigger and that our lives have meaning and purpose. 

What to study if you are interested in human nature 

By understanding human nature, we can learn how to interact better with people and also how to better ourselves. Here’s what to study if you are interested in human nature.

Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of human beings and their cultures. It can help you understand the different aspects of human nature and how they have developed over time. Anthropology is interested in studying humanity – our biology, societies, and past and present languages. 

Psychology 

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior. It can help you understand why people think and behave the way they do. Psychology tries to understand our mental processes and how they interact with our environments. 

Sociology 

Sociology is the study of human social relationships. It can help you understand how people interact with one another and how societies function. It focuses on human behavior, patterns of social relationships such as the three types of friendships, and social interactions. Spring Arbor University’s Bachelor of Social Work delves deep into this area and offers an inclusive, Christ-centred program entirely online.

Social work 

Social work is a profession that helps people improve their lives. It can help you understand how to help people in need and make a difference in your community. Social work studies how we can deploy resources to help the most vulnerable in society. 

Criminology  

Criminology is the study of crime and criminals. It can help you understand why people commit crimes and how to prevent them. It also attempts to understand what predisposes certain people to crime. 

Development economics  

Development economics is the study of economic development. It can help you understand how to improve the economic and fiscal lives of people in developing countries.

Etymology  

Etymology is the study of the origins of words. It can help you understand how language has evolved and how it can influence human behavior.

Gender studies  

Gender studies is the study of gender and its effects on society. It can help you understand how gender roles influence people’s lives and how to create an equal society.

Law and human rights 

Laws are the rules, norms and conventions that govern human conduct. Human rights is the study of the rights to which every human being is entitled. It can help you understand why everyone acts the way that they do and why our criminal justice system is the way that it is. The study of law also helps us to see our evolution as a people. 

International development 

International development is the study of how to improve the lives of people in developing countries. It can help you understand how different countries can work together to improve the world.

International relations 

International relations is the study of the relationships between different countries. It can help you understand how different countries interact with each other and how to create peace and cooperation.

Political science 

Political science is the study of government and politics. It can help you understand how governments work and how to make them more effective.

History 

History is the study of the past. It can help you understand how human beings have developed over time and how different cultures have influenced each other. 

Philosophy  

Philosophy is the study of the nature of reality and human existence. It can help you understand the big questions in life and how to think about them in a deep and meaningful way. 

Theology  

Theology is the study of religion. It can help you understand different religious beliefs and how they can influence people’s lives. 

Human nature is complex and has been studied by many different disciplines. Each of these disciplines can help you understand different aspects of human nature. By studying them, you can better understand yourself and the world around you.

Basic skills you need to excel in these fields 

In order to successfully study human nature, you need to have some basic skills, including the following.

Inquisitiveness  

To understand human nature, you need to be curious about it. You need to be willing to ask questions and look for answers.

Critical thinking 

To really understand human nature, you need to be able to think critically about it. You need to be able to examine evidence and arguments carefully and come to your own conclusions.

Open-mindedness 

To understand human nature, you need to be open-minded. You need to be willing to consider new ideas and different points of view.

Data analysis

To understand human nature, you need to be able to analyze data. You need to be able to find patterns and make connections.

Communication 

To understand human nature, you need to be able to communicate with others. You need to be able to share your ideas and listen to others to gain new insights about issues.

Self-awareness 

Lastly, you must be self-aware as a student of humanity. You need to observe yourself and how you relate to the world, make comparisons and draw conclusions. 

No matter what specific area of study you choose to focus on, understanding human nature is essential for anyone who wishes to work effectively with others.