Joseph Tussman and John Mueller both have very similar views on human nature. However, the two have sharply contrasting views on how human nature affects citizenship. While Tussman argues for reshaping human nature to produce the ideal citizen, Mueller seeks to work with flaws. I believe that human nature cannot be effectively reshaped to produce the ideal citizen. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay. Joseph Tussman, in his work, The Office of the Citizen, addresses human nature and its influence on the understanding and formation of the democratic citizen. Tussman argues that through two major elements of society – the market and the assembly – we can observe human nature and derive from it what the ideal citizen should be. Instead of displaying the natural greed and selfishness revealed by competition, Tussman believes that people should have the qualities of rationality and cooperation demonstrated in deliberation (Tussman, 66-67). Thus, Tussman's ideal citizen calls for reshaping human nature. Tussman's ideal citizen is capable of changing his nature and adopting the characteristics expressed in the assembly: rationality, cooperation and participation. These citizens, through public education, can be trained and disciplined to become the ideal citizen. Education will enable everyone to fulfill their obligations to society. These obligations include voting actively, putting aside self-interest to keep the common good as a priority, making responsible decisions about government, and reaching agreement with one another through deliberation (Tussman, 69). Tussman argues that reshaping human nature is necessary because citizens are capable of becoming active, educated citizens who will put their own interests aside and work toward achieving the common good. John Mueller in, Democracy and Ralph's Pretty Good Grocery: Elections, Equality, and the Minimal Human Being, discusses his view of human nature and how it shapes the role of the citizen in democracy. Mueller believes that humans are naturally selfish and are often not good, but he does not believe that human nature needs to be shaped. He believes that humans are quite capable of being good citizens without reshaping their natural habits or requiring them to participate more (Mueller, 990). Mueller believes democracy works well with the average citizen. Mueller argues that human nature does not negatively affect citizenship; it works well, and naturally, with it. Mueller's ideal citizen does not call for transforming people into intellectuals through education. He believes that people do not need to be educated because through their own rational and logical thinking they will do something (Mueller, 986). It is by being interested that this change will occur. Mueller believes that to get things done, coupled with self-interest, petitioning is the most effective way to get a government response and create change. Voting becomes useless and meaningless in the wake of self-interest. Petition is the only obligation of citizens and it will take place when people feel the need because it is in their own interest (Mueller, 991). Mueller believes that being active only when it matters to you is all that is necessary for a successful democracy. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In my opinion, humans are naturally.