Human beings are not inherently bad, yet the rapid growth of problems in modern social life may push the rules of society toward greater selfishness and harshness. Only the elevating force of education and enlightenment can prevent this.
: The author maintains that human beings are not inherently bad or malicious by nature. However, the rapid accumulation of problems in modern social life such as inequality, competition, and uncertainty creates conditions that can gradually push societal norms toward greater selfishness and harshness.
When external pressures intensify, self-preservation instincts tend to dominate, weakening empathy, cooperation, and moral restraint. Without conscious intervention, this drift can reshape the rules of society in ways that prioritize individual gain over collective well-being.
The only effective counterforce, according to the author, is the elevating power of education and enlightenment. These cultivate critical thinking, ethical awareness, and a broader sense of humanity, helping people rise above immediate pressures and maintain civilized values.
In essence, the future character of society depends not on whether humans are good or bad at their core, but on whether we actively nurture the better angels of our nature through sustained intellectual and moral development.