It is a universal truth that action is life. Therefore, such mottoes as “Never Stand Still” only reveal the universal truth to young people who only learn to live in the human society (Lecture, p.11). Most people follow this universal law. However, a few people think of the exact reasons why people act. Kojève contemplates the reason for any action of any being and human being, in particular.
Kojève claims that it is desire that makes a living being act. This idea is very valuable as it helps people understand their nature, which is dual but which is based on a specific principle. Desire is what makes living beings act, i.e. exist. More importantly, Kojève notes that two types of desire make a human act. First, “natural” or “animal” desire that makes living beings eat and sleep, make people act (Kojève, pp. 4-5). Clearly, people need food as well as they need rest and they create conditions which could satisfy their basic needs.
Nonetheless, this type of desire makes people only survive and continue their biological lives. What really makes a human being is the so-called “anthropogenetic” or “human” Desire (Kojève, p. 6). This desire which is the “Desire that man is formed and is revealed – to himself and to other” makes people act (Kojève, p. 4). The human Desire is the need to be recognized by another person, or a member of a “herd” (Kojève, p. 6).
Thus, when a man desires a woman, he does not only want to satisfy his biologic needs. A man wants to be recognized by a woman as a powerful, strong, wise, important, respected individual. For instance, the famous movie, American Beauty, illustrates a man’s desire to become recognized by a woman (Lecture, p. 8). The protagonist does not simply want to copulate with the young female. He desires to see that she has the same desire, that she respects him and sees him as a strong male.
The relationships between the protagonist and the young female illustrate another valuable observation made by Kojève. The researcher notes that people desire to have either of two roles available for humans. People can be Masters or Slaves (Kojève, p. 9).
In other words, people can make others recognize them, or can simply recognize others. This observation is very important as it can help people understand the roles they are playing in the society, and understand the nature of the very need in roles. Admittedly, when people understand that the Desire is the reason they live, they will be able to recognize their desires and acquire specific roles in the society that can suit them. This fitness to the society is what makes people feel humane (i.e. happy).
Kojève notes that the desire should be satisfied (Kojève, p.9). According to the concept of the Desire and societal roles, any desire can be satisfied. Therefore, people can become self-conscious and can feel happy. Finally, it is possible to note that the idea of possibility of satisfaction can make people act and strive for better, i.e. develop.
In conclusion, it is possible to note that Kojève’s observations reveal the nature of humanness. Thus, people’s desire to be recognized by others is the major reason why people act. Understanding the concept of the dual Desire, people can understand what their needs are. This understanding will inevitably lead to satisfaction of the needs and people’s satisfaction.
References
Kojève, A. (1969). Introduction to the Reading of Hegel. Basic Books, Inc., Publishers.