We are all born equals. Equal in that at birth the endless possibilities are there before us. Forget social or political considerations, man is essential born, given breath and at that moment most would like to think we are equal.
What happens beyond that moment are the circumstances in which we continue to draw breath.
Some people accept their lot in life, others take every opportunity to remove themselves from their perceived misery and create a new life.
What does become clear as we grow is the fundamental flaw in mankind. Greed.
No matter how we go about our lives we are all subject to the pitfalls of greed.
It comes in so many ways, often when we are at our most unsuspecting selves.
I have had experiences in life that have changed me. They have not changed my sense of self, but rather have impacted greatly on the way I interact with others.
For me it has been a rude awakening to discover the person I think I am, did not measure up to others and so those respective persons decided that their goal in life was to change me to become a ‘better’ person.
They failed to understand we are who we are. Trying to change the nature of a person is a fruitless task, easier I would think to change tin into gold.
You can modify behaviours, make people aware of their actions but they are who they are.
In many cases it is the fault within a person that can make them so loveable.
We love the people we love because they are who they are, warts and all so to speak.
If you try to change them they cease to be who they are and you have most likely destroyed whatever relationship you had.
The loves in my life are people to whom I am attracted because they have a mind I love crawling inside of and who look at me and want to do something similar, though one hopes something slightly more physical!
My answer to the question raised by the prompt is that, the things that change the nature of a man are basically ignorance and an inability to see the virtues that live in the ones we love.
The result of all that is a person who is withdrawn, isolated, lacking in self esteem and doing all he can to avoid social situations for fear of suffering at the hands of those who want nothing but ‘for him to be the best person he can be’.
Morpethroad 
Now this is a different piece my friend. I agree and disagree. Sometimes the person needs help to change or modify certain behavioural patterns. My personal experience…. I love certain people in my life warts and all, but also know that they can change or need to, to become a better person. We all can love another, but with that love we need them to see reason and logic, to grow, have stability. I guess it depends on what aspect ‘needs’ changing and the age of the person concerned. Sometimes, though they are who they are, but for their own good, we have to try and mold them into the person that they can be. Interesting topic Michael. I am sure you will get many comments about this.:-)
Well I have made my response and I know what I say may well be challenged but if it generates discussion as you are doing then good. I agree that some behaviours do need to be modified but not at the expense of the persons identity.But I do accept you can love a person and yet try to mould them over time into a shape you both agree is more preferable.Thanks Jenny.
Phew glad you took it in the context it was meant. Discussions/debates are good, much better to discuss what is written than saying – ‘yeah that was good’…don’t you agree? 🙂
Try this one….lol…I see the prompt as a philosophical discussion, that’s why I went the way I did…..I hope it generates discussion…..
I wanted to let you know your link isn’t working properly but I saw your name and came here to have a look anyways. This is fantastic! Very well thought out and I agree with you beauty lies in truth, in the imperfections. I agree also that we can change our behavior but that our fundamental nature our soul so to speak is of itself so.
Thanks I don’t know what the problem might be but I’ll reload it in the morning.
Thanks for the positive comment.
I fixed your link no worries =)
Oh thank you so much.
I agree to an extent.
There are loveable flaws within a person such as clumsiness, repeated mispronunciations of worlds, or a lack of ability to sing in a car. Sometimes, people who care about us see these flaws as a hinder to our future though. For example, a son who can’t put enough energy into his grades to get into a college. This flaw could inevitably affect his future. We can love who they are, but, also, see who they can become within their potential. Many times this insight from an outside source is deeper than the individual themselves.
The result CAN be a person who is withdrawn and constantly living in fear of someone measuring them up yes. But, it depends on how the person who cared about him/her handled it. They could’ve showered them with positive sayings such as “I believe you can do this…you’re so smart.” or they could say “Wow, you really got that grade….I would’ve thought you would’ve done better.” The two sayings are conveying the same message, yet with a different tone. So, it’s all relevant to the context and it’s definitely not black and white.
Thanks that is a brilliant comment. I agree that it is ‘how the person who cared about him/her handled it.’ This for me is the crucial factor.
Very wise words – the reason I wrote something so extreme for this prompt was because I think it is only something very extreme that can really change the nature of a person. But on the other hand, the environment and others around us do have an impact, and I often think we are what we do, and that is a matter of choice, and theoretically choices can change. Your post has definitely given me something to ponder through the day!! 🙂
Thank you Helen. I think this post has stirred a lot of memories and comment.
I believe someones nature is who they are, not meaning outward behaviors. Behaviors, I think can be change a bit especially when it comes to relationships whether it be work or personal. I would not expect to have someone in my life and change them completely, but over time you will find behaviors that may not work together. I see nothing wrong with trying to alter things a bit to make things better if the relationship is important enough. That doesn’t mean you are changing who the person is.
For me…I have ADHD and synesthesia and there is no way I can change those. Both conditions cause certain behaviors. So if I lived a secluded life…I could do or be as I see fit. However, that isn’t reality. With work, I need to focus to I change the way I may do some things or work to make it easier on me and still do what is expected of me.
In personal relationships it comes into play as well. It can be something as simple as I am horrible at remembering dates…even important ones. Does that mean I do not care about the person if I forget? Absolutely not but that still isn’t an excuse. I use reminders (so many) and other techniques to help me. Why? Because if something is important to the one I love, then I will make sure to do my part. Now if I do slip up, I hope they forgive me but if it is always, I can see where it would look like I don’t care and wouldn’t blame them if they didn’t want to always deal with it.
So….I think the true nature of a person is what they are. Behaviors can be modified and may need to be.
Also I am sleepy..so I may just be blabbering 🙂
I agree totally, over time behaviours can be and should be modified to suit the relationship and if you love someone you want to do all you can to make the relationship work. Being aware of issues is the first step, so your partner would be aware of whatever you bring to the relationship, they would love you because you are who you are.There is also an onus on all partners educating themselves about the other, neither will ever be perfect, so we work on it, stumble some days, but rejoice in each other other days. Its the effort from both sides that contributes to the fun.