Is human nature essentially permanent, or can its definition change?

That depends on the level you're speaking of. Absolute base level human nature - self-preservation - will never change. Ever.

Lying, stealing, cheating, loving, slacking, hard-working, coveting, defiance, self-righteousness, greed, the passive, the aggressive, all have been around since day numero uno as well, but I think it's more the extent of each that can change. I don't think any of them will ever be non-existent. (unless the zombie apocalypse happens..) Everyone is self-preserving to some extent, but the rest of them can come and go in groups.

For instance, compare the nature of the general public in the 30's vs 60's vs the 70's vs today. I think a lot of the time, human nature is dictated by our environment. I would say, it's essentially permanent, as you put it.

I'm not even sure this made sense, but I like this question. What's your opinion?

Lady Face,Thank you for your answer. I consider myself a social constructivist. I believe the meaning of words, stories, and even our perception of nature changes within its context, within the environment of people.It's a democratic philosophy with a Buddhist under-tone: Ideas evolve, mature based on popularity.

I believe human nature isn’t permanent. I think you’re right about our qualities; that may never change. But we can adjust the parameters, and combine age-old-ideas in new ways.

At least, I hope so. Otherwise, we, as a civilization, may self-detonate very soon. Thanks,Dan.

Nothing humans do is permanent. Our nature is what we have become but not what we will always be. Humans at one time were hunters and gatherers, we were loners.

Due to evolution, of course we will change over time, it just depends on what happens in our current situation to decide how we will be in the future.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.