Are We Naturally Biased?

Most of us would all like to believe that we could be intellectually honest, if we so desired. Even when we would be making judgments about things that we had a personal interest in.

But would you trust another person's judgment when there was a conflict of interest?

The truth is that we are all creatures that are extremely complex.

Our most distinguishing feature as humans is our intelligence. Nonetheless, we all have strong selfish impulses that are embedded within us on a subconscious level.

A third dimension of existence is introduced by the mystics, called the G-dly soul.

Although it would be useless to attempt to define its identity, one could possibly describe some of its foundational features.

To explain this more clearly, let's use the different contrasting fundamental forces that make up the human being.

Our most basic human instinct is self-preservation. This is our natural default position, which will seek to manipulate all endeavors towards that end, both on a conscious and subconscious level.

Beyond this biological domain, the human has been endowed with intelligence.

It is this faculty that enables man to ascertain whether something is true or false in an objective way.

But then there is, our core identity.

It is the part in us that defines our humanity, precisely because it remains transcendent.

The seat of our conscience is located here. It is always seeking to fulfill a purpose that is greater than itself. It aims to align with a transcendent force.

While our intelligence allows us to determine what is true and false, it is our soul that provides us with a sense of right and wrong.

This is why the story of the Jewish people begins with the revelation at Mount Sinai. For it is only when we are anchored in a transcendent force that we are guaranteed a healthy and sustainable way of life for all mankind.

Being human means being conflicted about what's best for ourselves and others. This is why we must rely on what transcends our humanity to make the right choices in life. 

Yosef Vogel