With everything we witness in the world today, it is challenging to understand the idea that Humanity has an inherent desire to do good. Nevertheless, it is one of the two fundamental beliefs that lay the foundation of our hypothesis that, if we recognize human dignity as a solution to humanity’s greatest challenges, we will reduce human-degrading conflict. If our hypothesis holds true, then the inherent desire for good within each of us will become more visible.
People and societies commit violent offenses against each other through physical and non-physical means every day. When we feel our needs are not being supported by those around us, we isolate ourselves in ways that no longer support the needs of others. Nevertheless, the inherent desire for good continues to exists within each of us and we find the next-best person to provide this good. Our existential freedom of choice, enabled by our intellect, is what demonstrates our inherent desire for good.
Humanity’s inherent desire for good
Our Inherent desire for Good is best exhibited when we show love towards those around us. Just as a fire is smothered by removing oxygen, our inherent desire for good is smothered when we remove the ‘oxygen’ of empathy and mutual respect. If we cannot relate to those around us – due to fear, malice, or a disrupted view of their basic humanity – we are smothering our inherent desire for good towards them. When someone becomes a member of our individual “in-group”, we are willing to help them in any way because, by helping them, we are helping ourselves and encouraging our basic survival. The challenge—and the opportunity—lies in expanding our definition of the ‘in-group’ to include the stranger next to us.
Take for example, someone who needs help reaching something on the shelf at a grocery store. Instinctually, if one recognizes the needs of another person, we offer to help them even if we do not know them. Although this is a simple demonstration of our inherent desire to do good, it is an affirmation of that desire.
At times, we may find ourselves in a position where we ourselves are burdened. The burdens of life may make us feel as though we should not help others; however, this burden is caused by a variety of overwhelming aspects of life that lead to fear, malice, or a disrupted view of the humanity of others. It is only when we see one another equally with respect and human dignity that we begin to actively support each other’s conflicts.
Learn more about this concept, and the historical evidence supporting this hypothesis, in our book, Conflict: Recognizing Human Dignity as a Solution to Humanity’s Greatest Challenges.
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