How does darkness represent the human condition?

According to John 3:19, the darkness represents mankind's love for sin over the truth of God. We're born into sin, which conditions us to prefer darkness, making us blind to the light of Christ (Ephesians 2:1). This reflects the total depravity of humanity—our inability to seek God without His grace illuminating our hearts and minds (2 Corinthians 4:6). The light of Christ is contrary to our natural inclinations, emphasizing our need for divine intervention to be saved from spiritual darkness.