The Human Constants Theory
“Human Constants” is a theory by Mohammad Rasoul Mohseni Rajaei that places four fundamental, relatively stable human needs or tendencies, survival, connection, meaning and order, at the center of the study of people, society and civilization. These tendencies persist through history, while their intensity, priority and form of expression change.
A short definition
In this theory, a “constant” is not an absolute, numerical constant like the physical constants. A human constant is a fundamental and relatively stable need or tendency whose essence persists across time, place and cultures, while its intensity, priority, form of expression and mode of realization change.
Stable in trend
Fundamental needs and tendencies (such as security, connection, meaning and order) persist to a relative degree through historical change.
Variable in expression
The form, intensity, priority and mode of realizing these needs vary across people and societies.
A human constant is not constant in form; it is constant in its fundamental tendency.
Four relative constants
Four foundational axes for studying humans and society. Each constant is a stable trend that has taken diverse forms in history.
Survival
The need for security, continuity of life and assured basic resources.
Historical manifestations
- Hunting and gathering
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Knowledge economy
Connection
The need for belonging, cooperation and social bonds.
Historical manifestations
- Speech and direct communication
- Writing
- Telegraph and telephone
- The internet
Meaning
The search for identity, value and purpose in life.
Historical manifestations
- Myth
- Religion
- Philosophy
- Ideology
- Scientific systems
Order
The need for structure, law and social coordination.
Historical manifestations
- Tribe
- City
- Monarchy
- Empire
- Nation-state
The four constants in interaction
The core of the theory lies in the relations among the four constants. A change in any one can affect the others directly, or through a chain of links, and can reach feedback loops.
Each constant has a two-way link with the other three, six bidirectional relations in all. The small loop beside each constant is that constant’s internal feedback. These links are tendencies and possible mechanisms, not strict causation, and their strength differs across societies and times.
Dynamic balance
In this theory, balance is neither stillness nor equality. Depending on conditions, one constant may take priority at a given moment, or the importance of another may grow to compensate for the weakness of one. A temporary priority is a natural part of adaptation; the problem begins when priority becomes lasting dominance and reduces the functioning of the other constants.
Dynamic balance = continuous change + continuous regulation + maintaining or rebuilding proportion among the four constants
From concept to measurement
Moving the theory from conceptual language to language that can be examined.
Frequently asked questions
- What is “Human Constants”?
- “Human Constants” is a theory by Mohammad Rasoul Mohseni Rajaei that takes four fundamental and relatively stable human needs or tendencies (survival, connection, meaning and order) as the axes for studying humans, society and civilization. These tendencies persist through history, while their intensity, priority and form of expression change.
- What are the four human constants?
- Survival (the need for security, continuity of life and assured basic resources), connection (the need for belonging, cooperation and social bonds), meaning (the search for identity, value and purpose in life) and order (the need for structure, law and social coordination).
- What does “constant” mean in this theory?
- In this theory a constant is not absolute and numerical like the physical constants. A human constant is not constant in form; it is constant in its fundamental tendency: stable in trend, variable in expression and manifestation.
- What is dynamic balance in the theory of Human Constants?
- Balance is neither stillness nor equality; it is continuous change plus continuous regulation and the maintaining or rebuilding of proportion among the four constants. A temporary priority for one constant is a natural part of adaptation; the problem begins when priority becomes lasting dominance and reduces the functioning of the other constants.
- Who is Mohammad Rasoul Mohseni Rajaei?
- He is an independent researcher and the author of the Human Constants theory, who has linked his professional studies and experience in economics, banking, systems analysis and capital management with a broad interest in the humanities and the fundamental problems of human beings and society.
- Which works have been published on this theory?
- Eighteen book titles as standalone books and five-volume sets, 150 articles in the collection “Dimensions of Human Constants Theory”, and 12 research articles.