Logic and Reason as Source of Human Sinful Nature
Philosophers have argued that the perception of rational conduct is principally based on the comprehension of being human. Therefore, as humans, most of our interactions are based on logic and fact-based decisions. In that sense, the paper will explore several instances where More’s perception of human’s sinful nature being due to logic and reason in Gulliver’s travel part four. “If you allow people to be badly brought up and their habits to be corrupted little by little from childhood and if you then punish them for crimes to which their early training has disposed them, what else is this, I ask, but first making them thieves and then punishing them for it?”
The central symbolism of logic and reason in Gulliver is Houyhnhnms (super coherent horses). Gulliver’s betrayal by his crew made him arrive in Houyhnhnms land that was inhabited by a race of intelligent horses that was ruled theoretically by reason and rationality. Gulliver not only does he admire the intelligent but also idolizes them. He is faced with the challenge of his human nature to his favorite friend, Master Horse, since his friend has no idea about his talks. “It put me to the pains of many circumlocutions, to give my master a right idea of what I spoke; for their language does not abound in a variety of words, because their wants and passions are fewer than among us.”
The Houyhnhnms are governed by reason; hence, there no laws or lawyers. Breaking law is irrational behavior, and in that case, they don’t need it since they are rational beings. Gulliver admires the Houyhnhnms nature to accept hard facts, and they don’t comprehend opinions and factions, “friendship and benevolence” is very significant to them. According to them, it’s incoherently to argue about that has no correct answer and therefore don’t need law. Additionally, there was cheating in a relationship since the main reason for marriage was to sire children, not companionship or sex. So the partner remained faithful to each basically for their children’s sake.
Greed as Source of Human Sinful Nature
Milton has a different perception of the sinful nature human, he states “OF Mans First Disobedience, and the Fruit, Of that Forbidden Tree, whose mortal taste Brought Death into the World, and all our woe.” There several instances where Gulliver has agreed that greed is the source of human’s sinful nature. “My master further assured me, which I also observed myself, that in the fields where the shining stones abound, the fiercest and most frequent battles are fought, occasioned by perpetual inroads of the neighboring Yahoos.” The attraction of Houyhnhnms Yahoo raises a question if humans’ problems result from social issues or human nature. Gulliver highlights that greed is human nature and has amplified and worsen over time.
Additionally, he clarifies the money concept to his master, and it’s used to purchase goods and how men are affected by greed and how wealthy people benefit from poor people. He highlights despite England being able to produce adequate meals and drinks; they still conduct trade to acquire luxurious things money can buy. “Whereupon I was at much pains to describe to him the use of money, the materials it was made of, and the value of the metals; that when a Yahoo had got a great store of this precious substance, he was able to purchase whatever he had a mind to; the finest clothing, the noblest houses, great tracts of land, the most costly meats and drinks, and have his choice of the most beautiful females.” Moreover, he clarifies Master Horse how the government operates in England. The selection of ministers is a result of social connections and mostly via marriage. For them to gain this position, the majority have to betray their predecessors, and others selected based on supporting a leader.