| Part II. Of Man |
| Chapter 6 - In general When considering Man we must consider a few things: 1. The similarities of Man to animals. 2. The differences of Man and animals (and of these differences those) 3. Of the Spirit (or Soul) 4. Of Science and Religion 5. Of Thought 6. Of Luxury 7. Of Desires and Fears (or Emotions) For only when we understand where the characteristics of man and animals meet and where they part can we truly understand what man is. We must also look more deeply into some of the differences (which I have listed) to understand more about the nature of man. Thus we must first look at the similarities of man to animals. Chapter 7 - Of the similarities of Man to Animals Man is an animal. This is a fact proven by Science. However, one must concede that there are places and times where man is more animal like and less animal like. Even times when man seems to cease to be an animal and act in humane ways. We discover here the similarities between man and animals. First, mans’ rights (like animals’) are Self Preservation and To Fulfill Needs. These are essential to man, like all animals. We also see that man, when left in a natural state follows the Laws of War. We also see that the Natural Needs are mans’ needs as well. Here we see that the similarities relevant to this discourse end. Chapter 8 - Of the differences of Man and Animals We see that there are several obvious differences between man and animals. Those which I will be writing of are these: The Spirit (or Soul). We know that man has a spirit (or soul). This is expressed in the existence of a conscience, which we are born with. We are born knowing right from wrong, but sometimes our surroundings force (or encourage) us to act contrary to our conscience. Thus, we see that people commit crimes and sins (being divine crimes). Religion and Science, both of which are explanation of our being. Science seeks to explain the physical world and Religion (which will be spoken of in more detail in a following Part) seeks to explain the supernatural and its effect on the natural. Thought being that of Philosophy. Man is different in that man has philosophy. Man thinks about his world (in Science and Religion) and about himself. His actions and those of others, and those natural. Luxury. It is man alone who has a “need” for luxury (or innecessities). This is yet another difference of man. Desires and Fears. Though man may not be alone in the having of desires and fears, it is man alone who is often solely controlled by his desires and fears. It is of these things that I shall speak of in the following chapters. Chapter 9 - Of the Spirit (or Soul) The proof of this is found (as has been stated prior) in the existence of the Conscience. Every man has a natural sense of Good and Evil endowed to him by his Creator (who will be spoken of later). This sense proves a moral realm exists, for senses cannot take in that which does not exist. Though senses may be fooled (as in the case of hallucinations), they are the base from which every thought rests. Thus we see man’s “sixth sense” of Conscience which originates in the eternal realm of morals and spirits. Chapter 10 - Of Science and Religion Religion will be spoken of in a following Part, so I will focus primarily on Science. Science is broken into two types: the discovery of causes and the discovery of effects. The discovery of causes is used by man to answer the question “Why?” For man has an attribute of Curiosity, which is natural to man. Man also is capable of rational thought, through which (often with the use of the senses) he discovers the causes which obtain certain results. We also see the reciprocal Science of that mentioned before. The discovery of effects from causes. It is often this which is discovered by experimentation. This Science is used by man to answer the question “What if?” and is used often in our lives. For do any of us make decisions without the anticipation of some benefit to follow (for ourselves or others)? I would think not. Even when we act on impulse (or in the heat of passion) our minds naturally have perceived that there will be some benefit from that action. For example, if, in the heat of passion, I kill a man, it is because my mind has reasoned that his death will benefit me in some way. Even though this murder may not have been premeditated to a high degree, there was still thought involved. This thought is that which I shall call subliminal, meaning irrational or below the level of conscious thought). It is more of thought which I will speak of in my next chapter. Chapter 11 - Of Thought Man has been endowed with the ability to think, unlike any other animal. Man has the ability of subliminal thought, which is also shared with other animals, or the ability to make decisions without consciously making a decision. But man also has the ability of conscious thought, which is not shared by all animals. Man can not only decide that one choice would cause greater benefit than another, but he also has the ability to explain his actions (or rationalize them). Man has a conscience. This conscience, endowed by our Creator, allows us to instinctually know whether an action is right or wrong. Thought is as near the opposite of this. Thought (meaning conscious thought) occurs when man thinks of the different possible outcomes of a decision and weighs those benefits against the possible disadvantages. As can now be seen thought is a near opposite to instinct and thus conscience. Chapter 12 – Of Luxury Luxury is something which exists only in humans. Man has a wish to not only have needs, but to have also a “surplus” of our necessities. Man also has a desire for things which are not necessary. These are both considered luxuries. Of luxuries, I will speak of three types: 1. Surplus 2. Cultural Needs 3. Pure luxuries The first of these is tied to man’s need of self preservation. This type of luxury is not purely existent in man’s world. Animals also store food for the winter. This luxury may be grouped by some to be a need, seeing as it is not the object which is a luxury, but rather the amount of the object that makes it a luxury. The second of these may be defined as luxuries which one needs in a human society in order to function in that society. Thus we see that televisions, radios, stoves, ovens, etc. are all cultural needs, for none of them are absolute needs, but, due to our society we “need” them. The third is those luxuries which are not included in either of the prior categories. These luxuries are not necessary in the least. These objects are not necessary for survival and thus may not be considered surpluses or cultural needs, but rather are pure luxuries, unnecessary for us to function naturally or in a society. These are luxuries of the purest form. Luxuries are one of the several desires of man, which I will speak of in my next chapter. Chapter 13 – Of Desires and Fears Desires are those things (objects or events) which one wishes to possess or happen. Fears are the opposite. Fears are those objects or events which one wishes to eliminate, avoid, or prevent. These desires and fears may be divided into many types, a few of which will be addressed: 1. Desires of needs 2. Desires of objects or people 3. Desires of events 4. Fears of objects or people 5. Fears of events The first is obvious. For all who have a desire to survive also must have a desire for their needs to be fulfilled. All must agree on the existence of the second. (Of which the first is a part.) For this includes the desires of luxuries. For man has a desire for safety, and thus for surplus. For man wants to be certain not only that his needs will be met today, but also tomorrow, and the following days, thus man desires surplus which is one of the types of luxuries. The third is similar for man has a desire that certain things will happen. This is also a well known fact. The existence of fears must be agreed to. For some have fear of snakes (an animal) and some have fear of certain people. Some have fear of events as well. Some fear flying, some fear driving in the snow, and most fear death. It is the desire for order and needs, as well as the fear of death, which makes man wish to enter into society which will be my next topic of study. Part III |
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