Human Nature is Fixed (Enough)

There is a persistent temptation, particularly in academic environments, to believe that human behaviour is more malleable than it truly is. With sufficient education, the right incentives, or a well-designed system, it is assumed that individuals can be guided toward consistently rational, cooperative, and principled conduct. Law school, with its careful study of disputes, doctrines, and decisions, offers a quieter, less optimistic observation. It suggests that while behaviour can be shaped, the underlying tendencies that drive it remain remarkably consistent.