The nature of man is both complex and multifaceted. We are creatures of both light and shadow, capable of great nobility and terrible cruelty. And yet, despite our many contradictions, we persist in our pursuit of happiness and fulfilment. It is this pursuit that drives us, that motivates us to seek out relationships and connections with others.
But what is the nature of these relationships? Are they truly selfless, or are they driven by more mercenary impulses?
Consider friendship. We speak of it in glowing terms, as a bond based purely on mutual affection, respect and trust. And yet, if we examine the roots of these relationships, we find that they are often based on shared interests and the desire for companionship. We seek out friends who will enhance our lives, who will provide us with the validation and pleasure we crave. And when those needs are no longer met, the friendship fades away.
The same is true of marriage. We speak of it as a union of love and partnership, but the reality is that it serves individual needs. One partner provides financial stability, the other social standing. Both benefit from the division of household labour. And when those needs are no longer met - be it intimacy, respect, or aesthetic appeal - separation beckons.
Even parenthood, which we regard as the purest form of love, is not immune to this dynamic. We have children to experience the joys of parenting, to see our legacy continued, and to have caregivers in old age. The child's love and devotion are transactional, traded for food, shelter, and guardian guidance. And when that contract is broken, the parent's forgiveness is not endless.
Based on this surmisation, Relationships can be categorised into two:
Overt Transactional Relationships
Covert Transactional Relationships
All of these relationships, then, are fundamentally transactional in nature but some are just more blatant. They are based on the exchange of goods and services, on the pursuit of individual wants and needs. And yet, despite this mercenary impulse, we persist in our pursuit of connection and companionship. We seek out others who will enhance our lives, who will provide us with the validation and pleasure we crave.
This, then, is the nature of human relationships. They are not selfless, nor are they entirely selfish. They are a complex interplay of light and shadow, of noble ideals and baser motivations. And yet, despite their many contradictions, they remain a fundamental part of the human experience.