The origin and characteristics of human morality have been widely analyzed and extensively interpreted for several centuries. In Primates and Philosophers, Frans de Waal argues that morality is an evolved trait and that human beings are intrinsically good-natured. The idea of an inherited morality not only suggests that humans are altruistic and cooperative beings, but also introduces the idea that culture is the cause of the immoral aspects and tendencies of human nature. While it can be argued that humans are inherently selfish, indecent beings and that culture is the means by which humankind develops morality, I will argue that human beings are innately, and genetically, good-natured, and that the immoral aspects of humankind arise…show more content… My argument proceeds with an examination of Frans de Waal’s Primates and Philosophers and a discussion of the ways in which morality has evolved. This examination will also illustrate the idea that human beings do not need to enter into society to possess moral qualities, as they are naturally good-natured. This point will be strengthened with Marshal Sahlins’ argument on kinship in human sociality, demonstrating human beings are not inherently individualistic, but instead altruistic and cooperative. I go on to analyze Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake in order to demonstrate the ways in which culturally imposed ideals develop immoral qualities in human beings. Thus, effectively illustrating the natural morality of human beings and the consequences of culturally imposed…show more content… When describing the nature of humankind, Hobbes says, “[human beings] may acknowledge many others to be more witty, or more eloquent, or more learned; Yet they well hardly believe there be many so wise as themselves”, and, “if any two men desire the same thing, which neverthelesse they cannot enjoy, they become enemies” (Hobbes 1651: 1-2). In this proposed state of nature, humans egotistically view their own abilities as superior to all others and selfishly desire full control over all things. Hobbes goes on to illustrate the consequences of this state of being by describing a state of war. He says, “There Is Always Warre Of Every One Against Every One. Hereby it is manifest, that during the time men live without a common Power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called Warre; and such a warre, as is of every man, against every man” (Hobbes 3). Nature, then, dissociates and renders human beings apt to destroy one another. Hobbes then illustrates how human inclination towards war and violence leads to the creation of societal laws. The text says, “To this warre of every man against every man, this also is consequent; that nothing can be Unjust. The notions of Right and Wrong, Justice and Injustice have there no place. Where there is no common Power, there is no Law:
