Abstract

Humans are created in the image of God. This paper uses the work of three individuals to piece together a portrait of humankind that is informative and practical. These individuals are William Glasser, Aristotle, and Thomas Traherne. The concepts that are put together are Choice Theory, contemplation, and felicity. Choice Theory psychology posits that humans are internally motivated by five genetic impulses or needs. Happiness depends on meeting these needs in a responsible and balanced manner. The five basic needs are love-belonging, power, freedom, fun, and survival. Although Choice Theory is helpful to our understanding of human functioning, it is an incomplete view of human nature. And consequently, its advice concerning happiness is flawed. To be a more complete theory of human nature, Choice Theory psychology needs to expand its metaphysical view of human nature. The Aristotelian view of human nature, which holds a high view of contemplation, and Traherne’s view of felicity can inform this modern psychological theory to make it a more comprehensive and accurate description of human nature and human well-being. This author proposes that a sixth need be added to the five Choice Theory needs so that a more comprehensive view of human nature can emerge. This author also proposes the ‘mean’ way to encourage self-examination of our need-generated behaviors