Psychology helps us to see life and the world in a more realistic perspective. Let's find out some truths about human nature and how they affect us.
Last update: October 06, 2020
We all feel we have the skills of psychologists, because in one way or another we manage to interpret the behavior of others in relation to present feelings, thoughts or circumstances. In fact, it is common to resort to so-called popular psychology. Nonetheless, not everything that is said or thought in this area is scientifically proven, indeed it often ignores true human nature.
Some beliefs, personal or collective, are not entirely true although very widespread. Still, some little-known data could positively change the way many people cope with daily challenges.
Such psychological truths allow us to analyze human nature by adopting a more realistic approach, since they are based on the evidence collected over the years by psychology, at a theoretical and experimental level. Knowing them helps us to examine more accurately what we see and think of ourselves and others.
"Men are reasonable animals regulated by the impulse of passion."
-Alexander Hamilton-
Human nature explained by psychology
1. Others are not dependent on our actions
We tend to be a little more narcissistic and vain than it seems at first glance. When we expose ourselves publicly, in a physical or virtual space, we are convinced that we are drawing all attention to ourselves.
In reality this is not the case, but this belief leads many people to care above all about what they say about themselves rather than express their own opinion.
Generally, people around us pay less attention to us than we think. Few will notice if we wear the same clothes as yesterday, even less will they pay attention to the judgments we express about ourselves.
2. Human nature is marked by change
We think we are always the same over time, yet this is not the case. Our way of being, acting, thinking and feeling is constantly evolving, although most of the time we don't notice these transformations.
Certainly there are elements or axes that are maintained over time, but even those structures undergo changes over the years.
So, just as our appearance changes over time, transformations take place within us as well. Our identity is a dynamic reality; we are, but potentially we are also what we will be.
3. Making mistakes makes us appear more human
Many believe that mistakes produce rejection and negative opinion. Nothing more wrong. If we think about it carefully, to generate mistrust and a certain refusal he is a person who does everything well and is never wrong.
Some studies confirm that those who make mistakes or show their vulnerability are more likely to be accepted and liked by others. In many cases, mistakes bring us closer to others; they remind us that we are limited beings and that, therefore, we can and must help each other.
4. Hardly anyone follows the advice of others
A fact about human nature that hardly anyone likes to admit, but which is part of everyday reality. People ask for advice, but most of the time they are unwilling to follow it.
In most cases you do not ask for the opinion or guidance of others because you are looking for concrete help. Indeed, quite the opposite. Rather, let's look for an explanation.
Many people turn to others for advice, but in reality they subconsciously want to find support or justification for what they already know they shouldn't do. For the same reason, after receiving the advice, the opposite is often done.
5. We can only control our reactions
One of the great contemporary evils is the obsession with having control over uncontrollable situations. Many complain about others' attitudes or how the world goes, as if we could adapt reality to our needs.
The truth is that very often we cannot even control ourselves, let alone control others. Perhaps the only thing we have power over is our reactions, or the way we respond to everything that happens outside of us.
Conclusions on human nature
A rigid and maniacal attitude towards life deviates considerably from true human nature. We are more error-prone, vulnerable, and ignored than we think. Learn to being more condescending and human with ourselves will certainly do us good.
