During the course of our lives, we are repeatedly faced with having to deal with a variety of individuals seemingly set upon making our lives difficult. They may be aggressive or passive-aggressive, however they are generally true professionals when it comes to playing with other people’s emotions: they know how to confuse and lead you into a web of drama, in which they are the ones pulling the strings.
The reasons why people do nasty things, as well as the causes of behaviours that we catch ourselves out with at times, are almost always unknown, even though the fact is that human beings generally only skim the surface, with reactions to what others say or do dictated by emotion. If we were able to truly understand the origins of human behaviour, it would be much harder for people to “get away with” things, even those that are most destructive or adept at it.
Moreover, the knowledge that we do not hold complete control over ourselves or our actions, while quite an unsettling thought, is a harsh reality. This collection of forces that push and pull human beings from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other can be considered as human nature.
In order to become an expert in human nature, you must be a keen observer; you need to be able to distance yourself, in order to better understand situations without becoming emotionally involved, and be able to learn from the past, or rather from great historians, philosophers and writers from the past.
One just has to think of the impact that human emotions can have, which have been further intensified with the advent of social media, where the viral effects are constantly sweeping through people’s spirits and where leaders well-versed in manipulation are able to exploit and control their followers.
At the end of the day, the concept is quite simple: human nature is a stronger force than any type of individualism, institution, or technological invention. It shapes what we create and is reflected in every manifestation of humanity, moving human beings around like pieces on a chessboard.
Being aware of human nature is very useful: firstly, knowing the laws will help you to become a calmer and more strategic observer of those around you, helping you to stay free of unnecessary drama. Secondly, it will enable you to decodify the signals constantly sent by people, helping you to be a better judge of character. Thirdly, knowing the laws of human nature will allow you to identify and distance yourself from toxic people, whom you will inevitably come across in life, and who usually cause long-term emotional damage. The fourth reason is that the laws of human nature will also reveal ways that you can motivate and influence people, making your life easier. In fifth place, they will show you how deeply rooted the laws of human nature are in each of us, giving you the opportunity to alter any negative behavioural patterns you may have. In sixth place, being aware of the laws of human nature will enable you to become more empathetic and create deeper and more satisfying connections with the people around you. And lastly, knowing the laws of human nature will help you to realise your full potential, revealing a better self, just waiting to be brought to the light.
