Term Paper About Nature of Human Being
Term Paper About Nature of Human Being
Term Paper About Nature of Human Being
INTRODUCTION
This term paper delves into the complexities of human nature. We will
explore various perspectives, from biological and evolutionary underpinnings to
psychological and philosophical outlooks. By examining these diverse viewpoints,
we can gain a richer understanding of the core characteristics, motivations, and
behaviors that define us as human beings.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
The term “Cadocian” refers to not just the students, but also to the faculty
and personnel of Calamba Doctors’ College. It is used and it serves as a “pen name”
for the people in the institution of CDC. It is used to refer someone who studies or
works in Calamba Doctors’ College and it represents the institutions’ unity and
being as one team that collaborates to work all their way to success.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
The concept of human nature has been a central theme in philosophy for
millennia. It delves into the fundamental characteristics, motivations, and behaviors
that are inherent to being human.
There are various theories that attempt to explain this essence. Some, like
those proposed by Thomas Hobbes, view humans as naturally self-interested and
competitive, driven by a need for survival and security. Others, like Jean-Jacques
Rousseau, see us as inherently good and cooperative, with a natural inclination for
social connection. Evolutionary psychology explores how our biological makeup,
shaped by natural selection, influences our thoughts and actions. More recently,
social learning theories highlight how our environment and experiences play a
crucial role in shaping who we become. This debate about nature versus nurture
remains central to understanding human nature. Through examining these diverse
perspectives, we gain a richer understanding of the complex tapestry that makes us
human.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
BODY
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
humans, and further resolves humans into their “parts,” i.e., motions of the mind.
Hobbes’s political argument in Leviathan, then, begins with his views on the nature
of the mind and human psychology. After studying human individuals in isolation,
he reconstructs the commonwealth by placing them in a state of nature, an abstract
condition prior to the formation of political society. By analyzing the behavior, or
“motions,” of humans in this controlled environment, Hobbes believes he has
discovered the causes of commonwealths. At the same time that Hobbes uses the
competitive method to intellectually reconstruct the commonwealth, he also tries to
demonstrate his political conclusions following the paradigm of geometry by
defining fundamental features of human nature and then drawing conclusions on
the basis of these. It should be noted that Hobbes is not always consistent or
rigorous in applying a scientific method to political matters. In the Introduction
to Leviathan, for example, Hobbes claims that self-inspection is the primary
method for understanding his political ideas. In this case, the foundational
principles of his political science are not derived from physics, but are known
simply by reflecting on one’s experiences. In addition, Hobbes claimed that the
second part of his trilogy, De Cive, was published first because it relied on its own
empirical principles. Furthermore, in Leviathan, especially the early chapters,
Hobbes uses many rhetorical devices in getting his point across, rather than
following a strict pattern of deriving conclusions from definitions and fundamental
principles. Such devices probably indicate that Hobbes was aiming at a wider
readership with this work, with possible political implications.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
part calleth good, and the object of his hate and aversion, evil; and of his contempt,
vile and inconsiderable. For these words of good, evil, and contemptible are ever
used with relation to the person that useth them: there being nothing simply and
absolutely so; nor any common rule of good and evil to be taken from the nature of
the objects themselves; but from the person of the man, where there is no
commonwealth; People may generally value such abilities as wit, discretion, and
prudence; but they do not thereby establish any absolute goods. Even a universal
inclination of human beings is not an absolute good, although it describes human
nature. Such an inclination is power. He says, So that in the first place, I put for a
general inclination of all mankind, a perpetual and restless desire of power after
power, that ceaseth only in death. And the cause of this, is not always that a man
hopes for a more intensive delight, than he has already attained to; or that he cannot
be content with a moderate power: but because he cannot assure the power and
means to live well, which he hath present, without the acquisition of more. Power
does not consist simply in the ability to exert physical force; rather it is the presence
of the means "to obtain some future apparent good." Accordingly, wealth,
knowledge, honor, reputation, eloquence, generosity, friends, practical skills,
prudence, "good form," and good luck are all varieties of power.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
folly and contradiction". Rousseau believed that people should not be brought up
in society to remain pure.
Rousseau has one big contradiction in his theory which renders his
perspective on human nature idealistic. If society is made up of innately good
people with good intrinsic value, how does is corrupt people? If people work
towards owning things to benefit them but with the least possible harm, there should
be low levels of conflict arising which means that there couldn't be any "innate bad"
in society. Society cannot corrupt pure humans as society is a social construct built
up by pure humans. In addition to this, Rousseau believed that children should be
brought up with a tailored education to their mental state but this is practically
impossible as he also wanted them isolated from the corruption of society.
Essentially, his prescription was that for someone to grow up to be pure, they could
not interact with the pure which makes no logical sense as the child would not
understand how they are to act.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
of those who are in distress: it is this which in a state of nature supplies the place
of laws, morals, and virtues, with the advantage that none are tempted to disobey
its gentle voice: it is this which will always prevent a sturdy savage from robbing a
weak child or a feeble old man of the sustenance they may have with pain and
difficulty acquired, if he sees a possibility of providing for himself by other means:
it is this which, instead of inculcating that sublime maxim of rational justice, Do to
others as you would have them do unto you, inspires all men with that other maxim
of natural goodness, much less perfect indeed, but perhaps more useful; Do good
to yourself with as little evil as possible to others. In a word, it is rather in this
natural feeling than in any subtle arguments that we must look for the cause of that
repugnance, which every man would experience in doing evil, even independently
of the maxims of education. Although it might belong to Socrates and other minds
of the like craft to acquire virtue by reason, the human race would long since have
ceased to be, had its preservation depended only on the reasonings of the
individuals composing it.
In his later thought, this principle of compassion was refined into a concept
of conscience, "There is, then, deep in our souls an inborn principle of justice and
virtue by which, in spite of our maxims, we judge our actions and those of others
as good or bad; and it is to this principle that I give the name of conscience."
Corruption by Society
Given the principle of compassion, Rousseau differs sharply with Hobbes
on what the "state of nature" would be like. There would be no state of war or
continual misery. Rousseau points out that persons in society are more likely to
experience misery: savages never think of complaining about their lives or
committing suicide; but persons in society do. And he attributes warfare to
corruption by society that weakened natural compassion and enhanced social
differences:
Hence arose national wars, battles, murders, and reprisals, which shock
nature and outrage reason; together with all those horrible prejudices which class
among the virtues the honour of shedding human blood. The most distinguished
men hence learned to consider cutting each other's throats a duty; at length men
massacred their fellow-creatures by thousands without so much as knowing why,
and committed more murders in a single day's fighting, and more violent outrages
in the sack of a single town, than were committed in the state of nature during whole
ages over the whole earth. Such were the first effects we could see to have followed
the division of mankind into different communities.
According to Rousseau, Hobbes "improperly admitted, as a part of savage
man's concern for self-preservation, the gratification of a multitude of passions
which are the work of society and have made laws necessary. "There is no cruelty
in human nature itself, society is the great corrupter:
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
Inequality
Of all the evils created by society, inequality is the worst, for Rousseau,
because it is the root of most of the others. Inequalities arose when individuals, in
coming together socially, substituted: (1) specialization of labor for relative self-
sufficiency and (2) private property for common ownership of the earth's bounty.
The resulting inequalities produced slavery and poverty, and even more.
The pursuit of wealth, social standing, and conquest―all of which result in
loss of virtue―is traceable to the recognition of inequality as a fact of life along
with a refusal to accept a lower station than others. Individuals feel generally equal
to others and are unwilling to accept socially created inequalities that confer lower
status upon them, because this lower status threatens their self-esteem. Thus, social
inequality succeeds in shifting their sense of self-esteem from what they think of
themselves to what others think of them. To impress others, at any cost in any way
they can, they must make money, have what others have, be fashionable in their
tastes, and be members of a "better" class. The net result is a triumph of artificiality,
appearance, and vice at the expense of natural inclinations, virtue, wisdom, and real
happiness.
Savaged and Civilized People
Rousseau tries to capture the effects of society, or civilization, on human
beings in the following passage:
The savage and the civilized man, differ so much in the bottoms of their hearts and
in their inclinations, that what constitutes the supreme happiness of one would reduce the
'other to despair. The former breathes only peace and liberty; he desires only to live and be
free from labour; even the ataraxia of the Stoic falls far short of his profound indifference
to every other object. Civilized man, on the other hand, is always moving, sweating, toiling,
and racking his brains to find still more laborious occupations: he goes on in drudgery to
his last moment, and even seeks death to put himself in a position to live, or renounces life
to acquire immortality. In reality, the source of all these differences is, that the savage lives
within himself, while social man lives constantly outside himself, and only knows how to
live in the opinion of others, so that he seems to receive the consciousness of his own
existence merely from the judgment of others concerning him. It is not to my present
purpose to insist on the indifference to good and evil which arises from this disposition, in
spite of our many fine works on morality, or to show how, everything being reduced to
appearances, there is but art and mummery in even honour, friendship, virtue, and often
vice itself, of which we at length learn the secret of boasting; to show, in short, how, always
asking others, what we are, and never daring to ask ourselves, in the midst of so much
philosophy, humanity, and civilization, and of such sublime codes of morality, we have
nothing to show for ourselves but a frivolous and deceitful appearance, honour without
virtue, reason without wisdom, and pleasure without happiness. It is sufficient that I have
proved that this is not by any means the original state of man, but that it is merely the spirit
of society, and the inequality which society produces, that thus transform and alter all our
natural inclinations.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
Hobbes believed this violence was a result of human nature: human beings
are never content merely to satisfy their own needs because they have “a perpetual
and restless desire of power after power, that ceaseth only in death.”[3] The desire
for domination over others inevitably leads to conflict.[4] Hobbes argued that
government was justified because only it could prevent the violence endemic to the
state of nature.
Rousseau’s picture of the state of nature, and human nature, was the
opposite. He argued that people in their natural state were motivated by what he
called amour de soi: a “love of self.” This meant living primarily to eat, sleep and
reproduce for the continuation of the species.[5] People with such minimal desires
could meet their needs without resorting to violence[6] and so life was peaceful, not
the war “of every man, against every man” that Hobbes theorized.
Whereas Hobbes relies upon reason and the threat of powerful, centralized
authority to provide an ethical and social system that controls human nature,
Rousseau trusts human nature and advocates opportunity for its free expression.
Rousseau thinks that society suppresses the good, natural feelings in our nature and
reason often constructs elaborately artificial rationalizations that smother our sense
of compassion and justify horrendous acts. He does not oppose the use of reason
itself; but he opposes this smothering of feelings for the sake of being rational. The
origin of morality lies simply in our natural feelings, prior to any exact reasoning;
and reason is as likely to become a tool of social corruption as it is likely to become
an instrument for good. For Rousseau, being able to will freely what we want to do,
taking our natural feelings into account, makes for a happy, healthy, moral person.
Hobbes, on the other hand, does not trust natural feelings. Natural feelings incline
human beings to be self-interested power-seekers, quarrelsome by nature, covetous
for what others have, and petty about their reputations. Give these feelings free rein
and the result is a state of war. Reason and governmental power are our best
protection from the dangerous tendencies within our own nature.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
corrupted our sense of self-interest to the point where it becomes ravenous in its
demands, the principles of compassion and conscience offer ample incentives to
serve the interests of our fellow human beings.
Whereas Rousseau locates the origin of morality in human nature itself,
Hobbes locates it in the more complex functions of reason, cooperative agreement,
and governmental power. The existence of moral rules, effective in practice,
requires specific sorts of social relationships. There is no morality embedded in
human nature. Accordingly, Hobbes admits a condition of amorality, namely, a state
of war, in which no moral rules apply and "anything goes." He does not admire this
condition of amorality; indeed he strives mightily to eliminate it. Yet he thinks that
we must start with the recognition that human nature, left to itself,
produces―instead of moral progress―lives that are "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish,
and short." For Rousseau, on the other hand, no condition of amorality truly exists.
The demands of compassion and conscience always remain within us. In the interest
of self-preservation, and self-love, we have the right to take those steps necessary
for our protection, freedom, and basic wants. And taken together―self-
preservation, self-love, compassion and conscience comprise the principles of
morality inherent in human nature.
Given their differences with respect to human nature, we are not surprised
by their consequent differences regarding the state of nature, the effects of society,
and the proper directing of human life.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
The good news is that humans are not shackled to these primal urges. We
are endowed with a unique capacity for reason and empathy. We can choose
cooperation over competition, compassion over cruelty.
Throughout history, societies have grappled with the complexities of human
nature. Laws, religions, and social norms have been established to channel our
instincts towards a more positive and productive existence. The journey to
understand ourselves is a never-ending one, but by acknowledging both the light
and shadow within, we can strive to create a brighter future for humanity.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
This exceptional cognitive capacity fuels our inherent drive for exploration
and discovery. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of knowledge, seeking to
understand the universe around us and our place within it. This insatiable curiosity
has led to remarkable scientific advancements, artistic masterpieces, and
philosophical treatises that attempt to unravel the very essence of existence. As E.O.
Wilson, a renowned biologist, argues, "The exploration instinct is not just random
curiosity. It is a deep, genetically programmed drive to map the territory, to learn
the rules of the game". This drive to explore and understand extends beyond the
physical world, encompassing the realm of emotions, ethics, and spirituality.
Human beings are inherently social creatures, driven by a fundamental need
for connection and belonging. We form complex social groups, families, and
communities that provide us with emotional support, a sense of identity, and
opportunities for collaboration.
Social psychologist Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs posits that
belonging and love are essential human needs, ranking just above basic
physiological necessities like food and shelter [Motivation and Personality]. This
social nature fosters cooperation and empathy, allowing us to achieve tasks beyond
the capabilities of any individual. However, our social bonds can also be a source
of conflict, as competition for resources, differing values, and cultural clashes can
lead to social strife and violence.
Our capacity for creativity sets us further apart from other animals. We
express ourselves through art, music, literature, and dance, leaving behind a rich
tapestry of cultural artifacts that tell the story of our existence. This creativity allows
us to imagine new possibilities, to transcend the limitations of the present and
envision a better future. As Albert Einstein observed, "Creativity is intelligence
having fun." However, this creative urge can also be a double-edged sword. It can
fuel innovation and progress, but it can also lead to the development of destructive
technologies and ideologies.
The nature of human beings remains a work in progress, a complex interplay
of biology, culture, and individual choices. We are capable of immense compassion
and barbarity, of breathtaking innovation and devastating destruction.
Understanding our inherent strengths and weaknesses is crucial for navigating the
challenges of the future and building a more just and sustainable world.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
Academic Foundation
The academic curriculum at CDC provides a strong foundation for
professional development. Courses are designed to be rigorous and relevant,
equipping students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills specific to
their chosen field. Whether it's the intricacies of human biology for aspiring
doctors, the complexities of financial analysis for business majors, or the nuances
of communication for future nurses, CDC ensures students graduate with a deep
understanding of their chosen profession.
Beyond the Classroom
CDC's commitment to student growth extends beyond textbooks and
lectures. The college fosters a culture of practical learning through laboratory
experiences, internships, and clinical rotations. These opportunities allow students
to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, developing essential
hands-on skills and gaining invaluable experience working with professionals. This
blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application prepares students for the
challenges and responsibilities they will face in their careers.
Professionalism and Ethics
CDC recognizes the importance of nurturing not just competent
professionals, but also ethical and well-rounded individuals. The college
incorporates ethical principles and professional conduct into its curriculum,
ensuring students graduate with a strong moral compass. Through coursework,
seminars, and interactions with faculty, students develop a sense of professionalism,
social responsibility, and a commitment to lifelong learning – qualities vital for
success in any profession.
Supportive Environment
The college fosters a supportive learning environment that encourages
student growth. Faculty members at CDC act not only as instructors, but also as
mentors, providing guidance and support throughout the academic journey. The
college also offers various support services, such as academic counseling and career
guidance, empowering students to reach their full potential. This supportive
network fosters a sense of belonging and creates an environment conducive to both
academic and personal growth.
CDC plays a crucial role in shaping its students' professional identity. The
College's code of ethics establishes a foundation of integrity and patient advocacy.
Through mentorship programs, students gain valuable guidance from experienced
faculty members who serve as role models for ethical and compassionate practice.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
These experiences help students internalize the core values that will guide their
conduct as healthcare professionals.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
The professional sphere also offers a window into the motivations and
behaviors of others. We interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, each
with their own set of values, priorities, and communication styles. Understanding
these nuances becomes crucial for building rapport, fostering teamwork, and
navigating potential conflicts. We learn to appreciate the power of empathy, the
importance of active listening, and the art of navigating office politics – all essential
skills for navigating the complex web of human relationships in the workplace.
Furthermore, the professional world presents ethical dilemmas that test the
very core of our character. Situations arise where personal gain may conflict with
professional integrity, or where the needs of the team may seem to contradict the
well-being of an individual. Witnessing and potentially being a part of such
situations sheds light on the moral compass that guides human behavior. It compels
us to confront our own values and make choices that align with our principles, even
in the face of pressure or temptation.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
advocating for themselves, and navigating office politics. It highlights the subtle
ways in which influence is exerted and decisions are swayed, often beyond the
confines of formal authority.
The world of work presents a multitude of challenges, but none are perhaps
as profound as the ethical dilemmas that can arise. As a student of Calamba Doctors'
College, entering the professional sphere offers a unique opportunity to explore the
complexities of moral decision-making in real-world scenarios.
These dilemmas can manifest in various forms. A student nurse may witness
a colleague cutting corners on patient care. A future doctor may face pressure to
prescribe unnecessary medication. These situations force students to confront the
dissonance between professional codes of conduct and the realities of the
workplace. Witnessing and potentially being a part of such.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
CONCLUSION
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
Lastly, our exploration of human nature has illuminated its multifaceted and
enigmatic essence. We have delved into diverse perspectives, from the biological
and evolutionary to the psychological and philosophical, to unravel the intricacies
of what defines us as human beings. As aspiring healthcare professionals from
Calamba Doctors' College, this understanding becomes integral to our interactions
with patients, colleagues, and the community. By embracing this intellectual
journey with curiosity and open-mindedness, we lay the foundation for empathy,
compassion, and a deeper connection with those we serve. As we step into our
careers, let us carry forward the insights gained, using them not only to enrich our
professional lives but also to foster personal growth. The study of human nature is
an ongoing pursuit—one that promises to shape our paths and impact those around
us with understanding and empathy.
All in all, this term paper offer a compelling exploration of the multifaceted
nature of human beings within the professional sphere. From self-discovery to
power dynamics and ethical dilemmas, the essays acknowledge the complexities of
human behavior and decision-making in the workplace. Through keen observation
and introspection, the author navigates the nuances of professional interactions,
advocating for a deeper understanding of human nature. This thought-provoking
journey invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and consider the impact
of their actions within the professional landscape. As we absorb these insights, let
us endeavor to navigate the complexities of the professional world with empathy,
integrity, and a commitment to ethical decision-making.
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
REFERENCES
Editor. (2016, November 7). Rousseau and the Nature of Human Freedom |
Humanities Core Research blog.
https://sites.uci.edu/humcoreblog/2016/11/07/rousseau-and-the-nature-of-human-
freedom/
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Calamba Doctors’ College
Virborough Subdivision, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, 4027
https://yashmahajan.wixsite.com/yashtheory/post/jean-jacques-rousseau-on-
human-nature
Jean Jacques Rousseau’s View on Human Nature - 755 words | Bartleby. (n.d.).
https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Jean-Jacques-Rousseaus-View-On-Human-
Nature-FJ6HPKRN6
Editor. (2016b, November 7). Rousseau and the Nature of Human Freedom |
Humanities Core Research blog.
https://sites.uci.edu/humcoreblog/2016/11/07/rousseau-and-the-nature-of-human-
freedom/
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