The Ethic of Human Repair starts with the recognition that to the extent one does not fully understand human nature, one does not understand oneself nor others fully. This lack of understanding of human nature is what leads to chronic human problems. Therefore, it behooves everyone to seek knowledge about human nature in order to prevent or repair chronic human problems. The definition of a chronic personal problem is any unwanted repetitive condition of a personal nature. Some examples of unwanted conditions are: lack of self-confidence, unnecessary guilt, unwanted feelings or emotions such as anxiety, anger, fear or worry; often upset or annoyed, moody, easily distracted, dysfunctional interpersonal relationships, career frustration, unproductive at work, laziness, procrastination, low tolerance for negative stress, hypocrisy, etc. Examples of commonly known chronic human problems beyond the individual are, war and peace, marital divorce, terrorism, ethnic cleansing, corruption, racism, and remnant forms of idolatry, to name just a few. It will be shown that chronic human problems, whether personal, organizational, cultural or societal, are fundamentally paradoxical, and for this reason alone must be understood first in order to turn paradox into a tool for human repair. (see sidebar to learn more) |
The Ethic of Human Repair