The Dual Nature of Humanity: A Struggle Between Enlightenment and Instinct

Human beings are remarkable and multifaceted creatures, harboring both an aspiration toward lofty ideals and an untamed, instinctual nature. From the very beginning of life, we encounter the inherent contradictions of our essence: on one hand, the development of a drive for spiritual growth, moral values, and the pursuit of personal harmony; on the other, the presence of an unbridled desire dictated by our natural instincts. It is precisely this tension between what is elevated and what is base—a direct confrontation between free will and instinctive impulses—that propels us toward self-knowledge and a constant inner struggle.

The main part of our lives is inextricably linked to this dualism, reflected in every choice we make. We are aware that our spiritual side can lift us to the heights of noble ideals, even though, at times, inner impulses outside of our control may lead us astray. This structure of personality implies that a person can view themselves both through the prism of divine light and through the shadow of primitive instinct. This is not merely a philosophical musing but a daily reality that each individual faces, generating a persistent sense of internal dissonance and demanding a balance between opposing forces.

Concluding these reflections, we come to understand that it is precisely this duality that makes human nature unique. With every victory over our own weaknesses, we move closer to our true essence, uniting in a harmonious dance the yearning for light with the restless impulses of shadow. This inner conflict is both a challenge and a source of strength, urging us toward a meaningful life filled with the struggle for personal perfection.

How can one explain the contradictory nature of humanity, when externally a person may speak of faith, yet internally experience negative impulses?

Human nature, by its very essence, is dual and encompasses two opposing tendencies simultaneously. On one hand, a person recognizes their higher, personal aspect that strives for the spiritual, moral, and ideal; on the other, they harbor a natural, instinctive element that generates negative impulses. As one source notes:
"Nevertheless, each of us can quite realistically feel the difference between our personality and our nature, or essence. Often, we become aware of the simultaneous presence of two desires, two volitional impulses, two needs—each demanding fulfillment. One of these manifestations expresses our free choice, our personal preference, while the other represents a natural, inherent pull. It may conflict with our conscious aspirations, acting like an impersonal force (akin to an instinct) and operating beyond our will and reason. The inner contradiction of man is indicated by the Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans: 'For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do... I find it to be a struggle within me; for I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this happens to me'..." (source: link ).

This description emphasizes that the outward proclamation of ideals such as faith and the pursuit of higher goals can coexist with inner impulses that contradict these beliefs. Another source expands on this idea, stating:
"Man can know himself from above and from below, from his light, from the divine aspect within him, and know himself from his darkness, from the spontaneous, subconscious, and demonic side within him. And he can do this because he is a dual and contradictory being, a creature that is profoundly polarized—godlike and beastlike, exalted and base, free and enslaved..." (source: link ).

Thus, the contradictory nature of human nature is explained by the inevitable existence of two spheres—the ideal and the natural. Externally, a person may proclaim high ideals or faith, corresponding to their aspiration for spirituality and individuality, while internally battling deeply rooted, negative, and instinctual impulses that are a part of their natural, sometimes uncontrollable side. This constant internal tension and struggle create the very "paradox" that each person faces."