The philosophical belief of ”the Human Condition” comes to bring comfort to me during hard times because it helps explain why I have so much trouble staying faithful to God. All people are born in ignorance and also bad people. We can try to move out of the darkness after we realize our condition, but it takes much effort and self-examination. People have a tendency to turn away from the truth and pain of reality while relying on diversions like material possessions for comfort. The human tendency is to choose what is easy, usually sin, instead of facing our challenges while moving toward God.

One significant idea was that everyone has a map that he/she uses to get through life and to wherever that person wants to go. Each map is an interpretation of reality and shows if someone is searching for the truth. If we choose to ignore reality, then our view of reality will be inaccurate. Throughout my whole life, it is pertinent that I make sure to search for the truth and stay in touch with reality. I have to always be looking at my map for life and asking if it is true. The problem comes when I have to adjust my beliefs; it is much easier to avoid the pain in change and disregard what I know is true. However, if I want to have a relationship with God, then I have to try and find the truth.


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Buddha’s First Noble Truth, dukkha, is suffering and explains that misery is at the center of human life. Humans are born into this suffering, and it is an inescapable part of our lives. This Truth goes hand-in-hand with the idea of the human condition because both state that we live in world of trouble and pain and that we lead lives that seem “out of whack.” Also, people try to avoid the truth about their pain, but ultimately, they cant escape it.

Concupiscence is the idea that humans tend to sin and act in evil ways although we want goodness. Often times, we cannot explain why we sin and act against God’s love. I know that I have sinned many times and then later, upon reflection, I couldn't figure out why I put myself in that situation of temptation. I do want good and a strong relationship with God, but frequently, I want an immediate answer to a temporary problem so I look to what is wrong for a solution. However, I hope that realizing this tendency will make it easier to resist temptation.

Is my map for life true and accurate? I believe that I am moving toward the truth, but I am still far off from I need to be in order to have a good relationship with God. I am a reflective person and also aware of most reasons for why I do what I do. I try to face reality as much as possible because I greatly dislike ignorance more than I do pain. It is necessary to find the truth in life if I want to find happiness.

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