ABSTRACT
The previous chapter addressed the universal or species-typical features of human nature, concluding with discussion of how optimal human being might be achieved, according to this level of analysis. How are all people the same, and what do all people need to thrive? This chapter instead focuses on how people differ from each other, and concludes with discussion of how these differences impact the recommendations for optimal human being. For example, how might optimal human being differ for someone with a neurotic as compared to a sunny disposition, or for someone with an introverted as compared to a gregarious disposition? Before addressing the optimal human being question, however, the chapter first provides a thorough analysis of the personality trait construct.
