A Study in Human Nature Classic Reprint

Explore the roots of human behavior and how our inner impulses shape character. This clear, accessible guide asks where our choices come from and what drives our actions, drawing on everyday experience as well as thoughtful theory.

This edition surveys the core motives that steer people—from self-control and courage to social ties, memory, attention, and will. It explains how instincts like parental care, caution, and the need for approval influence our conduct, with practical examples and plain language.

• Discover how inner motives differ from outside observations when explaining behavior.


• Learn how social and personal impulses interact to form character and action.


• See how attention, memory, and will govern daily decisions and long-term choices.


• Gain a framework for thinking about freedom, responsibility, and moral life.