an online book by David Gurteen
Human nature comprises the fundamental dispositions and characteristics—including ways of thinking, feeling, and acting—that humans are said to have naturally. The term is often used to denote the essence of humankind; however, this usage has proven to be controversial in that there is dispute as to whether or not such an essence actually exists.
Credit: Wikipedia - human natureOne of the greatest reasons why so few people understand themselves, is, that most writers are always teaching men what they should be, and hardly ever trouble their heads with telling them what they really are. Credit: Bernard Mandeville Comment: Understanding what it means to be human is crucial for our survival. We cannot thrive Continue reading Understanding Ourselves Bernard Mandeville (1714)
Leadership is often seen as providing guidance and security. However, authentic leadership may lie in confronting people with their own freedom, even when they resist it. Understanding this tension can help us rethink power, responsibility, and the choices we make in politics, religion, and the age of AI. Continue reading Peter Block, the Grand Inquisitor, and Leadership Leadership, freedom, and the burden of responsibility
Responsibility begins with the recognition that we always have some freedom in how we respond. Too often, we give that freedom away through blame, resentment, or waiting for others to act. By taking responsibility, we recover our agency and begin to shape our lives, conversations, and shared world. Continue reading Responsibility We need to take responsibility for the changes we wish to see in the world
We humans are extraordinarily complex, shaped by billions of years of evolution. Understanding human systems is challenging because they differ from natural or technical systems. Thinkers such as Ralph Stacey and Dave Snowden have developed methods to make sense of this complexity, highlighting how human interactions shape unpredictable and adaptive social systems. Continue reading We Humans Are Complex Human socio-technical systems are complex
