The Unchanging Nature of Humanity

Human nature has remained relatively constant throughout history, with core behaviors like envy and love being recognizable even in the works of Shakespeare. While societal perceptions of virtue have evolved, such as shifting views on violence, humans still adapt their moral frameworks based on cultural environments. Adam Smith's theory suggests that individual understanding of virtue is influenced by societal norms, reflecting an ongoing calibration between fixed human instincts and changing social contexts. This highlights the importance of recognizing both innate human characteristics and the impact of nurture in shaping behavior across different eras.