Unique in both scope and organization, this book presents an intriguing yet challenging introduction to the world's great ideas concerning the nature of human nature -- with a sampling of different approaches. The selections are drawn from religious writings, academic treatises, nonfiction, fiction, etc. -- enabling readers to encounter the great thinkers through their own words. Organizes selections into intellectually coherent topics-- Religious/Mythic Views, The Mind, The Social Setting, The Human Animal? -- and then subtopics -- e.g., The Role of Reason, The Limits of Reason, People Are Basically Nasty, People Are Basically Good, Animals as "Human," and Vice Versa, Sex and Gender, etc.