After extensive searching and deep reflection, one central truth emerges regarding human nature and the root of corruption in the world. There is a sharp contrast between the pure, original state of humanity as it was created and the destructive, twisted paths people ultimately choose to walk. Out of all philosophical investigations, this specific piece of wisdom demands special attention [ביאור שטיינזלץ].
The ideal starting point of human existence is that God created humanity in a perfect, upright state. The primary approach among commentators is that this original nature was entirely good, answering a fundamental philosophical question: God did not create human material as inherently bad. Instead, it is humanity that takes what is good and turns it into something harmful [תעלומות חכמה]. This original perfection is understood in a few different ways. It can mean a state of emotional and moral balance, where a person is meant to walk a middle path without leaning toward extreme behaviors like excessive anger, sadness, or pity [מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, it refers specifically to the first man, who was created completely pious and pure, akin to the ministering angels [תורה תמימה, צאינה וראינה].
The tragedy of the human condition occurs when people abandon this straightforward nature to seek out complex schemes and calculations. Commentators offer two main perspectives on who initiated this shift and what these schemes entail. The first approach connects this turning point directly to the sin of the Tree of Knowledge. In this view, the shift happened the moment Eve joined Adam, making them two. The many calculations refer to Eve's internal investigations and rationalizations about eating the forbidden fruit, which ultimately led to the first sin, caused Adam to fail, and brought ruin into the world [רש"י, תורה תמימה, צאינה וראינה].
The second approach views this as a universal description of the human race throughout all generations. While God provided a clear and straight path, people naturally gravitate toward tricks, plots, and crooked avenues [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Rather than maintaining a healthy, balanced middle ground, humanity tends to deviate toward extremes [מצודת דוד]. People disrupt the natural order of the world through over-planning, endless business dealings, and a general unwillingness to simply accept the straightforward responsibility of practical commandments [תעלומות חכמה, ביאור שטיינזלץ].