Unit Seven 

ON HUMAN NATURE 论人性  

 Frank and Lydia Hammer     弗兰克，莉迪亚·汉默尔 

我对人类的了解越多，对他们的期望就越低。和以前相比，我现在常常以较宽松的标准把一个人叫做好人。          

——塞缪尔·约翰逊博士

1 Human nature is the basis of character, the temperament and disposition; it is that indestructible matrix upon which the character is built, and whose shape it must take and keep throughout life. This we call a person's nature. 

1人性是性格、气质和性情的基础，性格正是基于这种牢不可破的基质之上的，它必须以这种基质的形式存在，并将它保留终生，这种基质，我们称之为一个人的本性。 

2 The basic nature of human beings does not and cannot change. It is only the surface that is capable of alteration, improvement and refinement; we can alter only people's customs, manners, dress and habits. A study of history reveals that the people who walked this  earth in antiquity were moved by the same fundamental forces, were swayed by the same passions, and had the same aspirations as the men and women of today. The pursuit of happiness still engrosses mankind the world over. 

2人类的本性不会也不能改变，只有一些表面特征才会变化、改善和进一步提升；我们可以改变人们的风格、举止、衣着和习惯。一项历史研究表明，曾经行走在地球上的古人们和今天的男男女女们受着同样的基本力量驱使，被同样的激情左右并有着同样的抱负，时至今日，对幸福的追求仍然是全世界人类全身心投入的事业。 

3 Moreover no one wishes his nature to change. One may covet the position of President or King, but would not change places with them unless, it meant the continuance of his own identify. Each man sees himself as unique, and so far as he is concerned the hub of the universe, different from any other individual. Apologies are in order when Mr. Smith is mistaken for Mr. Jones. 

3此外，没有人希望改变自己的本性，有人可能会觊觎总统或国王的职位，但不会和他们交换位置，除非那意味着他自己身份的继续。每个人都把自己看成是独特个体，而且，就他而言，他就是宇宙的中心，有别于其他任何人。如果有人把史密斯先生误认作琼斯先生，这人就该道歉。 

 4 Every man unfolds a distinct character over which circumstances and education have only the most limited control. No two people will ever draw the same conclusions from the same experiences, but each must interpret events and fit them into the mosaic of his own life's pattern. Human nature is ever true itself, not to systems of faith or education. Each holds to the structure of the mold into which the soul was cast at the time of its individualization. The qualities born in one remain as potentials whether they have a chance to develop or not. Under pressure, or change of interest, they can partially or wholly disappear from view, tor considerable periods of time; but nothing can permanently modify them, nothing can obliterate them. 

4每个人都表现出一种与众不同的性格，而环境和教育对性格的影响都极其有限。两个人从相同的经历中也不会得出相同的结论，但是两个人会各自分析这些事件并将它们融合到自己丰富的生活模式中去。人性总是忠于它本身，而不受信仰或教育体制左右。一个人的个性和他独特的天性在出生时就已经形成了，而且不会改变。一个人与生俱来的品质，无论是否有机会发展，都保持为潜力。在遭受压力或兴趣变化的情况下，他们会部分或全部地消失相当一段时间，但是没有什么能永久地改变他们，也没有什么能把他们抹去。 

5 The constancy of human nature is proverbial, as no one believes that a man can fundamentally change his nature. This is why it is so difficult for one who has acquired an unsavory reputation to re-establish himself in public confidence. People know from experience that an individual who in one year displays knavish characteristics- seldom in the next becomes any different. Nor does a thief become a trustworthy employee, or a miser a philanthropist. Nor does a man change and become a liar, coward or traitor at fifty or sixty; if he is one then, he has been one ever since his character was formed. Big criminals are first little criminals, just as giant oaks are first little acorns. 

5人性的恒定性是众所周知的，因为没有人相信一个人能够从根本上改变他的本性。这就是为什么一个恶名远扬的人很难重建公众对他的信心。人们凭经验知道某一年中表现出无赖性格的人不太可能在第二年有任何改观。小偷也不会变成值得信赖的员工。吝啬鬼也不可能变成慈善家。而且，一个人不会在五六十岁的时候变成谎话精、懦夫或叛徒，如果那时候他是，那么早在他性格形成的时候他就已经是了。大罪犯最初都是小罪犯，正如大橡树最初都是小橡果。

 6 Although man is potentially perfect he is far from being actually so. If he were actually perfect there would be nothing for preachers and humanitarians to do; no use for churches, schools, courts and prisons. Therefore while it is impossible to change human nature, it can be studied, controlled and directed, and this should be the supreme function of our religious, educational and social institutions. 

6尽管人类有完美的潜质，但事实上他远远没有达到完美。如果事实上他已经是完美的，那么那些神父、教师和人道主义者便会无事可做；那些教堂、学校、法庭和监狱便会无所用处。因此虽然人性是不可能改变的，但是人们可以研究它、控制它和引导它。而且这应该是我们的宗教机构、教育机构和社会机构的最高职能。 

7 Man is perfect as a seed is perfect, germinally. The spirit is perfect, but when it inhabits human structures, it participates in the imperfections of the later; and during its association with matter takes on the mortal weakness, desires and limitations. But the spirit, the inner man, remains untouched and undefiled by evil. Only the outer man- the personality and the physical body- becomes imperfect, due to ignorance, wrong thinking and violation of the law of being. The outer man, too, was originally perfect, but man has so desecrated and abused it that today it is a far cry from the original model. 

7人类在胚胎期是完美的，就好比一粒种子，在幼芽期是完美的一样。精神是完美的，但它栖居到人类肉体结构中后，便参与其中，表现出后者的不完美。在它与物质的联系过程中呈现出凡人的弱点、欲望和局限。但是精神，也就是人的内在，却仍能免遭邪恶的染指和玷污。只有外在的人——个性和躯体，由于无知、思想错误和违反自然规律而变得不完美。外在的人，原本也是完美的，但是由于人类如此的亵渎和滥用，今天，它已经与原型相去甚远。 

8 Man's majesty and nobility are taken for granted, although his faults and weaknesses are constantly paraded before our eyes. Only when behavior deviates from the normal does it attract attention. The good neighbor, the conscientious citizen, the kind father and faithful husband pass unnoticed. But the murderer, robber or wife beater is singled out for ublicity, because such conduct is unusual. 

8人们想当然地认为人类是伟大和高尚的，尽管他的过错和弱点不断地暴露在我们面前。只有当人类行为偏离常规时才会引起人们的注意。人们对好邻居、良民、慈父和贞夫视而不见，但杀人犯、抢劫犯或殴打妻子的人却成为公众瞩目的焦点。因为这些行为非同寻常。 

   9 Man's inherent goodness, moreover, is revealed by his countless acts of heroism, unselfishness and sacrifice. Daily one reads of men saving others at the peril of their own lives. One plunges into the surf and rescues a swimmer from drowning; another dashes into a burning house and carries a stranger to safety; others snatch a child from the wheels of death; many give their blood so that others may live. Countless unnamed and unrecorded men have given their lives for their fellowmen, not only on the battlefront but on the home- front as well.

 9人类固有的优点还体现在不计其数的英雄主义行为、充满无私和牺牲精神的举动上，每天我们都会读到人们冒着生命危险挽救他人生命的事迹：有人跃入水中拯救溺水的泳者；有人冲进火场将陌生人带出险境；有人从死亡的车轮下救出孩子；许多人献出鲜血使他人生命得以延续。数不胜数的不知姓名、不被记载的人们，不仅在战场上，而且还在战争的大后方，为了他们的同胞献出了生命。 

10Human nature does not and cannot change but unfolds its inherent pattern. Man has a nature and its laws can be known. We can only endeavor to understand man as he is. 

10人性不会也不能改变，它只展现它固有的模式。它有天性而且这种天性的规律是可知的。我们只能尽力去了解人类的真实面貌。 

                  ---  The end of Unit 7 ---

        

            

                

            

           

Unit 7  Exploring Human Nature 

 

I. Background information:   Views of human nature

新牛津英汉双解大词典

human nature: the general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioural traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans. 人性

Historically, there are more philosophers, politicians, and writers who have offered their interpretations of human nature.

Confucius thinks that humans possess the capacity for perfection, although they must consciously strive to realize it, while Mencius believes that human nature is to tend toward good and right.

In contrast, Sigmund Freud, holds that man is bad, and that all men are innately evil and aggression lies within the human as a part of his nature. 

Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher, has identified three causes of quarrel in the nature of man: competition (for gain), diffidence/distrust (for safety), and glory (for reputation). 

William Shakespeare, in the play Hamlet, shows human nature to be greedy, self-involved and vengeful (报复性的).

Robert Louis Stevenson, the well-known English novelist, through the story of The Strange Case Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, presents his assumption of a dual human nature --- the good side and evil side exist in everyone. He gives the impression that human nature is a constant battle between good and evil.

 

II. Global Understanding ---Text organization

Task 1: skimming and scanning

Go through the text and find out the main idea of each part

Introduction (para. 1) What’s human nature? 

Human nature is the basis of character, the temperament and disposition; it is that indestructible.

Body (para 2-9) __Characteristics __ of human nature.

Conclusion (para 10) Human nature does not and cannot change; we can only endeavor to understand man as he is. 

Task 2: go through part II and find out the 8 characteristics of human nature.

 

 

III. Language Points 
Detailed study of the text

 

Para. 1

Task 1: Find the useful expressions and use them in a sentence (Sentence making in dialogues) .

(on) the basis of (What is the basis of your health? )

The basis of my health is eating the right food and getting enough sleep.

build…upon… (How can you win a debate?)

Generally we win a debate by building our argument on facts.

take the shape of (以…形式出现/存在)(What happens to a liquid when it is put in a container?)

A liquid can take (on) the shape of whatever container it is in. 

Throughout (one’s) life (Is there anything that you would hold on to throughout your life?)

Yes, I would hold on to your friendship throughout my life.

Task 2: Answer the content question: What is a person’s character built upon?

A person’s character is built upon his nature (the indestructible matrix). 

Task 3: Summarize the main idea of this para.in your own words.

Human nature is sth upon which your character is built, and sth that you’ll keep throughout your life.

 

Para. 2

Task 1:Sentence making in dialogues

be capable of (Why is UFO so called? )

UFO is so called because it is Unidentified Flying Object which is not capable of clear explanation.

move (驱使) (What moved him to study music throughout his life?)

His deep love of music moved him to do so.

be swayed by (受…左右) (What happens when a person does not have ideas of his own?)

He's easily swayed by other people.

the pursuit of (What is more important, the pursuit of wealth, or that of health?)

Without a doubt, the pursuit of health is much more important.

the (whole) world over (What is the same the whole world over?)

It’s the same the whole world over that everyone has rules he or she has to obey.

engross [ɪnˈgrəʊs, ɛn-]  verb

1. 1)    absorb all the attention or interest of使全神贯注，使专心

the notes totally engrossed him.

2)    (archaic)gain or keep exclusive possession of (something)(古)独占，垄断

the country had made the best of its position to engross trade.

那个国家充分利用其位置优势垄断贸易。

Task 2: Answer the content question: What can be altered, according to the author?

Things that can be altered include people’s customs, manners, dress and habits

Task 3: Summarize the main idea of this para.in your own words.

From ancient times to the present, all over the world, human beings share the same nature, which cannot be changed.

 

Para. 3

1. Each man sees himself as unique, and so far as he is concerned the hub of the universe, different from any other individual. (Para. 3)

Ø  In this sentence, the stem part is “each man sees himself as unique and the hub of the universe”. 

Ø  so/as far as sb. be concerned: in the opinion of sb. 

    

2. Apologies are in order when Mr. Smith is mistaken for Mr. Jones.  (Para. 3)

Ø  be in order:

1)     be in a situation in which everything is controlled, well-organized or correctly arranged

e.g. (1) Please see that this room is in order when the visitors arrive.

   (2) I want you to arrange these in order, putting the largest first, then the next, and so on.

2) to be a suitable thing to do or say on a particular occasion

e.g. (1) Is it in order to ask the speaker questions at the meeting?

      (2) At the end of a program, applause for the performers is in order.

3) (an official document) to be legal and correct

e.g.  (1) Is your immigration papers in order? 

       (2) I have examined the account books, and found them in order.

4) Something one does to be allowed by the rules in a committee, court parliament etc.

e.g. 

     Is it in order for me to park my car outside the building?

 

Task 1: Sentence making in dialogues

see…as… (Make a sentence similar to “Each man sees himself as unique”.)

People regard Edith as eccentric because he always wears strange clothes.

as far as…is concerned (Are you satisfied with the salary rise?)

The salary rise is nothing, as far as inflation is concerned.

be in order (What is the right thing to do after someone is offended?)

Apologies are in order.

be mistaken for (What happens to twins very often?)

One of the twins is often mistaken for the other.

Task 2: Answer the content question: Why is it that one would generally not change place with others?

Because each man sees himself as a unique individual, different from any other.

Task 3: Summarize the main idea of this para.in your own words.

No one wishes his nature to change because each man sees himself as unique, different and the hub of the universe.

Now

the rest of the text will be explored in the same way. 

For each paragraph, 

teacher and students will interact with each other by

①making sentences in dialogues, with the useful expressions;

②answering a content question;

③summarizing the main idea of the paragraph in your own words.

 

Para. 4

Task 1: Sentence Making in dialogues

have (limited) control over…

draw conclusions from…

fit sth into (sth else)使…与…融为一体

be true to…忠实于…

hold to…坚持…

have a chance to do sth

under pressure

disappear from view

Task 2: Can you explain the sentence “Each holds to the structure of the mold into which the soul was cast at the time of its individualization”?

每个人在出生时，就形成了自己的个性，灵魂也已被铸造成特定的模式，人性则坚守这种模式永不改变（Human nature will hold to this structure）

意译为：一个人的个性和他独特的天性在出生时就已经形成了，而且不会改变。

Task 3: Summarize the main idea of this para.in your own words.

Human nature is distinct to every man and ever true to itself; It can’t be controlled, modified or obliterated by any outside forces.

 

Para. 5

3. No two people will ever draw the same conclusions from the same experiences, but each must interpret events and fit them into the mosaic of his own life’s pattern. (Para. 4)

Ø  fit into (使)适合, (使)合乎…的时间〔空间〕, 与…融为一体

1) to be part of a group or system

e.g. 1) Most film locations broadly fit into two categories; those on private property and those in a public place.

   2) Unless the item is a very short one, I am afraid we can not fit it into the programme.

2) to be accepted  by the people in  a group or organization

e.g.    She fitted into the team very well.

翻译: 两个人从相同的经历中不会得出相同的结论，但是两个人会各自分析这些事件并将它们融合到自己丰富的生活模式中去。

 

4. Human nature is ever true to itself, not to systems of faith or education. (Para. 4)

 Paraphrase:

 Human nature is loyal to itself, instead of to any systems of faith  or external teachings.

 

5. Each holds to the structure of the mold into which the soul was cast at the time of its individualization.  (Para. 4) 

Paraphrase:

     Each human nature sticks to the characteristics and limitations of the mold where the soul is formed and develops its individualities.

Ø  辨析  hold to  vs. hold on to

Ø  hold to: to believe or behave according to a belief, principle, promise etc.

Ø  hold on to:  to keep something rather than losing it, selling it or giving it to someone else 

6. People know from experience that an individual who in one year displays knavish characteristics seldom in the next becomes any different. Nor does a thief become a trustworthy employee, or a miser a philanthropist. Nor does a man change and become a liar, coward or traitor at fifty or sixty; if he is one then, he has been one ever since his character was formed. (Para. 5) 

Ø  In this sentence group, negative words “seldom… nor… nor” connect three negative sentences. 

Ø  And sentences beginning with the negative word “nor” are 

    partially inverted:

•   Nor does a thief become a trustworthy employee, or a miser a philanthropist. 

•   Nor does a man change and become a liar, coward or traitor at fifty or sixty; 

 

Task 1: Sentence Making in dialogues

n  as (=since)

n  to fundamentally change sth

n  This is why…

n  to acquire a…reputation

n  to re-establish oneself in public confidence

n  to know from experience that…

n  Nor does…

Task 2:Which Chinese saying does this para. remind you of?

江山易改，本性难移。

A fox may grow gray, but never good. 

Task 3: Summarize the main idea of this para.in your own words.

It is well known that human nature cannot be fundamentally changed.

 

Para. 6

Task 1: Sentence Making in dialogues

n  far from (being perfect)

n  no use for…

n  While…

Task 2: How can human nature be studied, controlled and directed, according to this para.?

Through the functions of religious, educational and social institutions. 

Task 3: Summarize the main idea of this para.in your own words.

Man is actually far from perfect and that’s why human nature can be (and should be) studied, controlled and directed through the work of preachers, teachers, humanitarians, and the like.

 

Para. 7

7. The spirit is perfect, but when it inhabits human structures, it participates in the imperfections of the latter; and during its association with matter takes on the mortal weaknesses, desires and limitations. (Para. 7) 

     

Ø  “The latter” means the second or the last people or things just mentioned, here refers to “human structure”. 

   e.g.  Of the two choices, I prefer the latter.

Ø  The former…the latter: often used to refer to the first and the second people or things that are just mentioned

    e.g. Where unemployment and crime are high, it can be    
      assumed that the latter is due to the former.

翻译：精神是完美的，但它栖居到人类肉体结构中后，便参与其中，表现出后者的不完美。在它与物质的联系过程中呈现出凡人的弱点、欲望和局限。

 

Task 1: Sentence Making in Dialogues

n  as: in the way that…好比…,就像…

n  participate in…

n  association with (be associated with/to…)

n  take on (a new look) 呈现出(新面貌)

n  remain untouched

n  due to…

n  the laws of being自然规律

n  so…that…

n  a far cry from与…相去甚远

Task 2: Why do a man’s personality and physical body become imperfect?

Due to ignorance, wrong thinking and violation of the laws of being. 

Task 3: Summarize the main idea of this para.in your own words.

Man’s spirit is perfect, but when it inhabits the human structure, the outer man – the personality and the physical body – becomes imperfect, because man tends to desecrate and abuse it (the outer man).

 

Para. 8

8. Man’s majesty and nobility are taken for granted, although his faults and weaknesses are constantly paraded before our eyes. (Para. 8) 

Paraphrase:

Human beings are undoubtedly seen as great and noble by nature, although their bad behaviors often remind us that they are imperfect and have weaknesses.

Ø  take sth./sb.for granted : 

1) to expect  that someone or something will always  be there when you need them and never think how important or useful they are

e.g. 

①  People took electricity for granted until their supply is cut off.

②  She knew that she was in danger of taking him too much for granted.

2) believe that something is true without making sure

e.g. 

①  He just took it for granted that he would pass the exam.

②  Mr. Harper took for granted that the invitation included his wife. 

 

9. Daily one reads of men saving others at the peril of their own lives. (Para. 8) 

Ø  the peril of sth./doing sth.: a danger or problem in a particular activity or situation

e.g.

   the perils of starring in a television commercial

   Does he understand the perils of mountain climbing?

Ø  do sth.at one’s peril: do sth. dangerous and that could cause problems

e.g. 

   These regulations are made for your safety; if you disobey them, you do so at your own peril.

 

Task 1: Sentence Making in Dialogues

n  be taken for granted

n  Be paraded before our eyes展露在我们眼前

n  Only when…does it…

n  deviate from…偏离…

n  to pass unnoticed

n  be singled out (for publicity)

Task 2: What attracts attention?

Behavior, when it deviates from the normal. 

Task 3: Summarize the main idea of this para.in your own words.

Man’s majesty and nobility usually go unnoticed because they are taken for granted; only unusual behaviors attract attention because they deviate from the normal.

 

Para. 9

Task 1: Sentence Making in Dialogues

n  be revealed by…

n  an act (acts) of (heroism)

n  read of…

n  at the peril of…

n  plunge into…

n  rescue sb from (drowning)

n  dash into (a burning house)

n  to move/carry/lead sb to safety

n  to give blood

n  to give one’s life

n  not only…but…as well

Task 2: How is man’s inherent goodness revealed?

It is revealed by his countless acts of heroism, unselfishness and sacrifice. 

Task 3: Summarize the main idea of this para.in your own words.

One more characteristic of human nature is that man’s inherent goodness can be revealed when he performs acts of heroism, unselfishness and sacrifice.

 

Para. 10

Task 1: Sentence Making in Dialogues

n  does not and cannot (change)

n  to understand man as he is

Task 2: What is the author’s conclusion about human nature?

Human nature cannot change, but can be known. 

Task 3: Summarize the main idea of this para.in your own words.

Human nature, with its inherent patterns and laws, cannot be changed, though it can be known and understood.

 

 

修辞的翻译

1. As it turned out, I went from the frying pan into the fire. 

    不料我跳出油锅，却又跳进了火中。

2. With so many carrots , I’ll  be a real gem !(B.C. Muffins)

  有这么多克拉(胡萝卜), 我是颗真宝石！(贝蒂妙厨发糕) 

3. The Internet is also fun. You can write to old friends. Or check out their web pages. Enjoy web based soap operas. Laugh at online parodies and jokes. Join in a live Net Event. Chat with other Internet surfers. 

  英特网也很好玩：你可以给老朋友写信，或查看他们的网页；欣赏网上电视连续剧；网上还有模仿的滑稽剧和笑话让你开心；你可以参与实况网络动态节目；与别的英特网冲浪者聊天。

4. The technology of millimeter wave guidance is still in its infancy now.
毫米波制导技术目前才刚刚起步。

5. With determination, with luck, and with help from lots of good people, I was able to rise from the ashes. 

  凭着我的决心，我的运气，还有许多善良人们的帮助，我终于得以东山再起。

6.The electronic devices are used in computers as  switches that simple turn on and off. 

这些电子器件在计算机中起开关作用，只是开开关关而已。

7. Embalmed in books, their spirits walk abroad.

   他们那保存在书中的精神走向了世界各地。

8. A good book is often the best urn of a life enshrining the best that life could think of… 

   一本好书往往就是人的一生最好的归宿之所，它珍藏着人的思想的精华。