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nmackow's picture

Human "nature" as a learned behavior

I believe that human nature, apart from its instinctual aspects, is a learned behavior. We typically act as those around us act. We buy food in a supermarket, paying close attention to the costs of the items we want. We drive SUVs and minivans because they are safe in crashes and comfortable. I can't say that the average American (I cannot extrapolate these thoughts on any other country at the moment) really thinks about anything other than how the outcomes of their purchases affect themselves. I certainly never looked at my bananas as being shipped halfway across the world and having a harmful carbon footprint. They taste good and I buy them when they’re on sale.
That being said, however, I think, when presented with concise and accurate information about the things we do, we can change. Obviously this change must come from within but I do think it’s possible. And if we can, and the subject, such as our current environmental crisis, is serious enough, I think we should attempt to change human “nature”.

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