Human nature seems to be a term that is often used as an excuse. When someone makes a mistake they will often say that they are only human as a way of justifying their action. People seem to use the term as an excuse for acting on impulses or for instant gratification. One might say, well, I took a sick day when I was feeling fine; it’s human to take a break every once in awhile. This logic may or may not be true, but this leads to equating our nature to laziness or thoughtlessness. I doubt most people would consciously argue that these qualities are what make us human. This way of describing human nature also seems to see it as unchangeable problem that we all inevitably fail to surpass at some point. It creates a very self-defeating mindset. If one believes they have a negative nature and that that nature will cause them to have unavoidable failings than they will not try to rise above these failings and will fail. If one is on a diet and says it is human nature to eat what tastes good regardless of health than they will inevitable cheat on their diet. It is a self fulfilling prophecy. We know that people can stick to a diet or other activity successfully, so it does not make sense for a person to allow these excuses to rule them.
Do people use always human nature as a way to avoid unpleasant tasks in their life or is human nature a justification for certain actions?
I've responded to this in my blog.
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