We are always to keep the question of human nature in the background of all our discussions. Each author of the texts we read has a philosophy about human nature. Some assume universal elements that cut across all individuals, times, and cultures; others doubt anything like a nature that we all share. Some assume human nature is individually created, others that it is inherited by each successive generation. Some present the question of human nature as a set of properties that we can manipulate.

In short, be aware of your own assumptions of human nature that are presupposed by your statements and claims in our discussions.

For example, what view of human nature is assumed in the claim: "Without understanding yourself you will never understand anything or anyone"?