A thought-provoking new report published on July 6, 2025, by a leading behavioral expert in Psychology Today reveals that we are all born with certain innate dispositions—what the author calls “basic humanity”—and, as we grow, we learn to navigate or sometimes contradict these primal instincts. The research calls attention to the fundamental and often conflicting drives that shape us as humans and offers essential insights into how these inner tensions influence personal well-being and social behavior.
The significance of these findings resonates deeply in the Thai context, where cultural values prioritize harmony, social interdependence, and emotional restraint alongside a growing push for individual autonomy in a rapidly modernizing society. Understanding the roots of our basic drives—and their contradictions—not only helps explain complex aspects of Thai family life, education, and workplace relations but also draws timely connections to recent social and mental health challenges described across Thailand and the world.
According to the research, “basic humanity” is an inborn capacity to take interest in others, forming the psychological basis for attachment and empathy. The study suggests that, barring neurological disorders, this instinct matures into genuine concern for the well-being of others—a foundational principle seen even in Thai child-rearing, where parents closely monitor their infants for distress and respond with comfort and care. This “basic humanity,” experts argue, is the source of altruistic, protective, and cooperative behaviors celebrated in Thai community traditions and Buddhist teachings, such as merit-making and the importance of compassion (metta).
Yet, as the research highlights, human nature is full of contradictions that begin to manifest from a young age. One of the earliest is the tension between love and autonomy: while humans crave close attachments and support from significant others, we also possess an irrepressible urge for individuality and self-determination. Unlike other social animals, where individuality is minimal, humans alone must constantly negotiate the balance between connection and independence—a duality visible in the Thai struggle to reconcile filial piety (bùunkàn châo phôo mâe) with the modern desire for self-expression and personal achievement.
Further contradictions arise between “basic humanity” and aggression. Toddlers, the study observes, will occasionally lash out physically—not from malice, but as a form of expressive behavior. These hormonal or emotional impulses, when mishandled or harshly punished, can lead to entrenched aggressive patterns, sometimes carrying forward into adult life as domestic violence or public conflict. These findings echo Thai concerns over rising incidents of family violence and bullying in schools, widely reported in both government statistics and local media (Ministry of Social Development and Human Security).
To illuminate this moral tension, the research borrows from timeless folktale wisdom. In the story of the “wolf and the spirit,” each person contains both a “vicious wolf” and a “loving spirit” battling within; the one that prevails is simply the one we feed. This metaphor resonates in Thai society’s embrace of self-reflection and tam-jai (mindful acceptance), urging individuals to choose compassion over hostility, even when provoked.
Another key contradiction lies in the interplay between ego and personal values. According to the report, ego acts as an internal shield, defending us from difficult emotions like guilt, shame, and sorrow. Yet this defensive posture can lead us to betray our deepest humane principles, causing internal conflict and a sense of inauthenticity. Defending the ego, the author argues, almost always violates the true values that make us feel stable and genuinely connected with others. This dynamic is recognizable in Thai discourse on “face-saving” (rak naa rak tâ), where maintaining external honor can sometimes clash with private moral conviction.
The tensions do not end there. The research describes how feelings—the transient, reactive emotions induced by transient physiology or environmental conditions—often conflict with the more stable, enduring traits of our personal values. Acting solely on feelings, the article warns, can foster anxiety, anger, and identity confusion, while acting in alignment with values cultivates authenticity, self-respect, and peace of mind. This principle is embodied in Buddhist practices, as well as in modern Thai life skills curricula that teach youth to validate their feelings but act in accordance with their values—an approach gaining traction in schools and mindfulness workshops throughout Thailand (Mental Health Department, Thai Ministry of Public Health).
Psychological experts from various universities highlight the practical importance of these findings for Thai families, teachers, and community leaders. A leading psychologist from a well-known university in Bangkok commented, “Understanding these innate contradictions allows us to be more empathetic toward ourselves and others. When children act aggressively or seem emotionally conflicted, it’s natural—it reflects a universal human struggle. Our job as educators and parents is to gently reinforce humane values, not simply suppress unwanted feelings.”
Mental health counselors in Thailand increasingly report that young people—especially those caught between traditional expectations and social media-fueled individualism—experience heightened anxiety and confusion as they try to balance cultural obligations with their own desires. Workshops hosted by educational authorities now often incorporate lessons on emotional self-awareness, self-control, and values-based decision-making, echoing the recommendations of this new research.
Historically, Thai society has always emphasized harmony, respect for elders, and emotional restraint, yet rapid social, technological, and economic change is challenging these cultural norms. As the lines between family, school, and public life blur, and as Thai youth confront global pressures such as competitive achievement and online influences, the inner contradictions described in this research become ever more visible in everyday life. Recent studies note an increase in mental health consultations among university students and high schoolers, a trend mirrored in comparative research from East Asian neighbors (Mahidol University study, UNESCO Asia-Pacific data).
Looking forward, the implications are manifold. If Thai society can embrace the fact that everyone is born with certain drives—some constructive, some potentially destructive—and that socialization can nurture or hinder their expression, it can open up more compassionate policies, parenting strategies, and educational programs. Practical recommendations include explicit classroom dialogue about feelings and values, community workshops on conflict resolution, and expanded accessibility to mental health services. Social media campaigns could promote the Buddhist values of metta and karuna (loving-kindness and compassion), reminding Thais young and old to “feed the spirit,” not the wolf.
For readers, the essential advice is to become more aware of their own contradictions and to consciously reinforce actions that reflect deeply held values, not fleeting feelings or defensive egos. “Validate feelings but act on values,” summarizes the research—a principle as relevant in Thai temples as in offices or classrooms.
For those interested in further investigation, the full report can be found on Psychology Today. Supplemental background on emotional and value education in Thailand is available from the Mental Health Department and Mahidol University, as well as broader regional data at UNESCO Bangkok.
Those seeking to cultivate greater self-understanding for themselves or their families are encouraged to participate in local mindfulness training, family counseling sessions, or school parent conferences focusing on the practical application of these principles. Ultimately, building a stronger, kinder, and more resilient society begins with recognizing and embracing the contradictions at the heart of being human.