“For ideas to pass the test of time, they must account for the emotional, amoral and egoistic characteristics of human nature.” PhilosophyScienceHuman Nature Author:Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan
“Most of us, most of the time, are neither innately moral, nor immoral, but amoral. Our moral compass will largely depend on our personal and political circumstances as well as our perceived emotional self-interest.” Human NatureMoralityNeuroscienceEgoism Author:Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan
“Human nature makes us perpetually dissatisfied with our present condition. We want to improve the most important thing in our lives: ourselves. Our very neurochemical composition makes us want to perfect ourselves.” Human NatureNeuroscienceHuman Enhancement Technologies Author:Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan
“History is propelled by good governance paradigms that balance the ever-present tension between three human nature attributes (emotionality, amorality and egoism), and nine human dignity needs (reason, security, human rights, accountability, transparency, justice, opportunity, innovation and inclusiveness).” HistoryHuman NatureMoralityDignityGood GovernanceSustainable History Author:Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan
“Humans will strive to do whatever it takes to survive, including acts that appear immoral, such as pre-emptive violence. The human moral compass fluctuates in the course of existence, and good governance is the best means to limit the excesses of human nature.” ViolenceHuman NatureMoralityGood Governance Author:Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan
“When left unchecked, the egoistic character of human nature will entail a relentless search for the consolidation of power.” PowerHuman NatureInternational RelationsEgoism Author:Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan
“The understanding of human nature as a predisposed tabula rasa informs us that survival is the most fundamental human instinct coded in our genetics and that, when imperilled, it is likely to trump everything else.” Human NatureGeneticsSurvival Instinct Author:Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan
“It is ironic and indeed counterintuitive that our own human nature has a huge potential to drive us towards physical and cognitive enhancements that may completely alter the characteristics of our species.” Human NatureHuman Enhancement Technologies Author:Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan