Understanding Human Nature

Understanding a person’s true nature is the hardest thing to discern. Since good and evil are different in essence, yet expression and appearance are not necessarily consistent: some are mild and kind in appearance but act deceitfully; some are outwardly respectful but inwardly deceptive; some appear brave but are inwardly cowardly; some seem to exert their utmost but are not loyal. There are seven methods for examining people: first, test them with questions of right and wrong and observe their aspirations and stance; second, press them with argument and debate and observe their adaptability; third, ask them for plans and observe their level of insight; fourth, tell them of misfortune and danger and observe their courage and sense of responsibility; fifth, make them drunk with wine and observe their true nature and cultivation; sixth, place profit before them and observe their integrity; seventh, assign them a task with a deadline and observe their trustworthiness. Modern Application:In modern contexts, this chapter is often simplified into a “checklist for reading......