What is the central theme of Goethe's "Faust" regarding human nature?

The central theme of Goethe's "Faust" is indeed centered around the consequences of overreaching ambition. In the play, Faust, a scholar, becomes dissatisfied with the limits of human knowledge and experience. His quest leads him to make a pact with Mephistopheles, the devil, trading his soul for greater understanding and pleasure. This ambition for more than what is naturally attainable illustrates the dangers of hubris and the moral and existential implications that arise from such a pursuit.

Throughout the narrative, Faust's insatiable desire for knowledge and experience ultimately results in devastating consequences, reflecting the belief that striving beyond human capacity can lead to one's downfall. Through Faust's journey, Goethe raises profound questions about morality, the human condition, and the price of ambition, reinforcing the idea that aspiring to exceed natural limitations can yield catastrophic results. This theme resonates as a warning about the potential perils of unchecked ambition, making it a focal point in understanding human nature according to Goethe.