Adaptive Freedom

The prevailing disposition of our human nature is essentially optimistic, directed towards harmony and a sense of internal unity, constantly seeking union or wholeness in and with other beings and the world. Despite the evidence of some human behavior, at the central core of our being is the desire to seek what is laudable, hopeful or “to the good” for ourselves and others. Our essential nature urges us to do what is pleasing, valuable or useful. As the Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza wrote “You neither want nor strive for anything because you judge it to be good. On the contrary, you consider something to be good because you strive for it, want it and desire it.”  What is good is right and what is right is good, and these constitute the essence of authenticity.