Are humans inherently imperfect? Is there something fundamentally flawed in human nature? These questions have been asked by philosophers as early as 2000 BC, when the first book ever written, Gilgamesh, was transcribed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Gilgamesh is an epic poem written by the Sumerians and finally translated into other languages ​​in 1900. The epic tells the story of Gilgamesh, a man who is ⅔ god and ⅓ human. He rules as the king of Uruk and the hero of the epic. The poem delves into the journeys of transformation he experiences, through love, death and grief. Gilgamesh, as a character, although powerful and strong, struggles with some of the greatest tragic human flaws in history; he is arrogant, selfish and greedy. This type of character reflects the imperfections of humanity. According to Gilgamesh, the human condition is defined by our defects. This poem conveys the imperfect nature of humanity through Gilgamesh's excessive pride, taking his friend for granted, and his desire for immortality. Pride in Gilgamesh is displayed as a fatal flaw and one that causes Gilgamesh to make harmful decisions that lead to his downfall. We can identify the concept of excessive arrogance, when Gilgamesh believes he can kill Humbaba, powerful protector of the gods, without any repercussions. Gilgamesh is a divine man who is never troubled by death. His unwavering pride is evident when he decides to kill Humbaba, a clearly formidable enemy, described as the "Evil One", a dangerous giant and nature deity, known to kill all who enter his forest. This attack is completely unmotivated, as Gilgamesh decides to do it simply because he can. Although many know the danger Humbaba will bring to Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh declares: “I will fight Humbaba, / I will cut down his cedars…. I'm impatient and can't wait long." Gilgamesh says this in spite of those who tell him he will fail, which highlights his nonchalant mentality towards danger. He also goes against the warnings of his friend Enkidu, who once lived in the forest and knows full well the danger of Humbaba. Gilgamesh's childish desire to demonstrate his power and assert dominion over the gods blinds him to the reality of the dangerous situation he is creating not only for himself but also for Enkidu. While Gilgamesh and Enkidu attack Humbaba, Enkidu suffers a bad injury that ultimately leads to his death. Gilgamesh's decision to attack Humbaba, and the ultimate consequences, analogizes a fundamental flaw that lies in humanity: a dangerous and exorbitant pride. Another flaw that humanity displays is the tendency to take others for granted. It is a mistake of many not to appreciate our loved ones while they are among us. This concept is presented in Gilgamesh when Gilgamesh's best friend, Enkidu, dies from an injury caused by a powerful giant. Her passing leaves Gilgamesh in a spiral of pain and sadness. The narrator expresses how Gilgamesh feels as he writes, "Hovering on one's lips / Or arguing to torment / The memory with what one has not said, / Until one learns to accept the silence..." (Mason 54) . This quote highlights the feelings Gilgamesh feels during the time of grief for his friend. The narrator demonstrates the human feeling of universal remorse in dealing with the loss of a loved one. Regret is equated to the things Gilgamesh could never say to Enkidu while he was alive, and the appreciation he has for Enkidu that will never be expressed. This underestimation of loved ones is evidenced by the experience of pain and remorse?