Human Nature and Identity

The use of the phrase ‘human nature’ has declined. We use it only about ¼ as much as we used to 200 years ago. By comparison, we use the term ‘identity’ about 15 times more.

This is a profound shift. The term human nature implies that there are biological realities inside us. We have a nature that drives who we are. Certain things flow naturally. Presumably, a creator sits behind this, as the one who has sewn this nature into our being.

Whereas the term identity implies choice. There are multiple parts to me, possibilities – but I get to choose which particular attributes are core to my self-understanding. My identity is how I see myself as opposed to my nature, where my biology dictates what I do.

For most of human history, people have been asking themselves why am I here? If you assume you have a human nature, this question leads you down a particular path. I am hard-wired to do and desire certain things. Some of these inclinations align with the purposes and direction of all nature. Others do not. I need to understand how I have been made and the nature of the universe so that I can live according to my purpose. If I can do this, I will feel fulfilled.

Remove the assumption of human nature, replace it with identity, and you get something different altogether. You get something like I get to decide who I am. There are few, if any, external constraints that I should allow to restrict me. Who knows if the universe is going anywhere, but I am becoming the best me.

The first path has its drawbacks. Outside realities constrain me. But the second path seems risky, shallow, isolating and unfulfilling. Let’s try to talk about our identity a little less and our nature a little more.

By Rev. David Rietveld