Nature vs. Nurture (with Paul Bloom)

"The Alien Corn" by W. Somerset Maugham tells the story of George Bland, a young man from a wealthy English family who dreams of becoming a concert pianist, much to the dismay of his practical-minded father. Despite his passion and dedication, George lacks the innate talent required to achieve true greatness. His relentless pursuit of a musical career leads to increasing frustration and ultimately culminates in a poignant realization of his limitations. The story explores themes of ambition, the conflict between personal desires and family expectations, and the acceptance of one's true capabilities. Maugham masterfully portrays the emotional turmoil of a young man forced to confront the harsh reality of his artistic shortcomings.

Published in 1759, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' is Adam Smith's first major published work, based on his lectures at Glasgow University. The book argues that morality is driven by humanity's natural sociability and the need for approval from peers, rather than by rational calculation or innate moral sense. Smith introduces key concepts such as sympathy, the impartial spectator, and the invisible hand, which explain how individuals judge the conduct and character of themselves and others. The work delves into the emotional and social aspects of human behavior, highlighting the role of emotions like pity and compassion in shaping moral sentiments and behaviors[1][3][4].

In this book, Thomas Sowell explores the fundamental differences in visions of human nature that underlie many political and ideological disputes. He identifies two primary visions: the 'constrained' vision, which sees human nature as inherently self-centered and limited by systemic processes, and the 'unconstrained' vision, which views human nature as malleable and perfectible through societal intervention. Sowell argues that these visions shape opinions on a wide range of issues, from justice and equality to power and social institutions. The book blends history, economics, philosophy, and law to provide a comprehensive understanding of these conflicting visions and their implications for political thought and action.