ABSTRACT
FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN NATURE
The importance of the perception of fundamental human nature has been underestimated. Thirty years ago I wrote:
My views of man's most basic characteristics have been formed by my experience in psychotherapy. . . . I have discovered man to have characteristics inherent in his species, and the terms which have at different times seemed to me descriptive, are such terms as positive, forward moving, constructive, realistic, trustworthy. (Rogers, 1957, p. 199)
My belief in that statement has been confirmed by continued experiences in individual therapy, in small groups, in large groups, and in groups consisting of antagonistic factions. It is borne out by experience with severely troubled and psychotic individuals and individuals with deep defenses. If one is able to get to the core of the person, one finds a trustworthy, positive center.
