I'd like to say we're inherently good and evil is just a product of environment but in truth I'd say some of us do good things, some of us do bad things, all of us will some good things and some bad things.
Humans: Are we evil?
- Thread starter redisforever
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Well biologicaly speaking our gene do whatever they can to get ahead. I'd say the murderers and rapist have less self control in that regard, killing off potential adversaries (it happens in my country.. a lot!). But are humans inherently evil? That would depend on what you feel IS evil
That highly depends on where the moral flow lies at the time.
What do you at the time define as evil? What does society in general define as evil?
Looking back at some of Lincoln's statements, for example, is almost disgusting. His opinions on how the white race is superior and such, was what was looked at as right at the time.
His statements may have been judged as evil looking at them now, but back then, that was the "truth", so to speak.
What do you at the time define as evil? What does society in general define as evil?
Looking back at some of Lincoln's statements, for example, is almost disgusting. His opinions on how the white race is superior and such, was what was looked at as right at the time.
His statements may have been judged as evil looking at them now, but back then, that was the "truth", so to speak.
Depends how you define evil. We are basically an imperfectly evolved species, our adrenaline glands are too big, our prefrontal lobes too small, we bear ever sign of the stamp of our lowly origins. To say we are an arrogant, warlike, child race? Yep, pretty much.
I don't think we now for sure yet, but studies seem to indicate that we are instinctively nice. (Don't have a link ready, but I'm quite sure I read about some studies that seem to indicate that babies are instinctively helpful.) Also there's this whole empathy thing we've got going.
Human beings are inherently flawed. It takes effort to become good or evil, it is not something that you automatically are.
- Mar 31, 2010
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No, some humans are evil, most of us aren't though. If we were all evil then you wouldn't have charities, volunteers, donors, soldiers who fight for their country, every day kindnesses. If you open your eyes and ignore the negativity of the news then you realise that everyday there are many more good acts than evil.
Just the balance of the world. There is no light without dark and vice versa. How about a person who's dreams are granted? Out of sheer luck, they're right there at the right moment and get what they want?JesterRaiin said:How disabled, crippled, retarded, stillborn, dead at very young age, "human vegetables" and similar cases fit into your point of view ? Just curious...Asuka Soryu said:I like to think of it more like tough love. A father who's their, he cares but you never really notice it. You ignore it for all the pain you feel and you feel neglected, his love for you is ignored by all the bad times. He's watching, testing you. He wants you to earn life and toughen up through hardship, rather then hand everything to you and let you become spoiled and rotten. But, that's just my oppinion.JesterRaiin said:We are alone, lost, without purpose, scared and misguided but we're not evil per se.redisforever said:
I like to think that our creator has forsaken us and that's why we can't have nice things.
What about people born to become great, rememorable people. The world does seem like it's forgotten and unloved if you never look at the bright side.
Suffering is the path of humanity, they may have been unfortunate, but there's still those who have the greatest things happen to them.
When they get to heaven(yes, I'm well aware you're probably gone to attack me for thinking of such a place and considered me idiotic and blind, but I'll stand by it) they will be cured. This life is filled with suffering, but all those who felt pain shall be healed when they get to heaven(this is my beleief, I don't mind if you disagree).
But for now, this world is a mixture of Darkness and Light. Yes, if you focus on the bad, it does seem forsaken. But if you realise there's also good in this world, you can see that it's not all one hell hole abandoned to suffer.
Yes, there's people who are caught in fires, but there's also people who would die to rescue that person. In a world forsaken by its creator, people like this would've died out long ago as they'd have no reason to see any good in the world to bother with giving a damn about someone elses life.
But I digress, I never intended to change your belief, I merely felt like sharing my own. :3
Thank you. Oh, in my religion, children will litter the streets. Anyone who dies a kid is admitted into heaven as they are innocent in the Lords eyes, as he understands they do not possess the capability to understand sin, or to praise him.gamezombieghgh said:You speak very eloquently and beautifully and while I'm not a Christian for several reasons, one of them being that to get into Heaven you have to believe in Jesus's sacrifice and try to follow his advice, something that doesn't fit with those who die very young I admire your optimism.Asuka Soryu said:Just the balance of the world. There is no light without dark and vice versa. How about a person who's dreams are granted? Out of sheer luck, they're right there at the right moment and get what they want?JesterRaiin said:How disabled, crippled, retarded, stillborn, dead at very young age, "human vegetables" and similar cases fit into your point of view ? Just curious...Asuka Soryu said:I like to think of it more like tough love. A father who's their, he cares but you never really notice it. You ignore it for all the pain you feel and you feel neglected, his love for you is ignored by all the bad times. He's watching, testing you. He wants you to earn life and toughen up through hardship, rather then hand everything to you and let you become spoiled and rotten. But, that's just my oppinion.JesterRaiin said:We are alone, lost, without purpose, scared and misguided but we're not evil per se.redisforever said:
I like to think that our creator has forsaken us and that's why we can't have nice things.
What about people born to become great, rememorable people. The world does seem like it's forgotten and unloved if you never look at the bright side.
Suffering is the path of humanity, they may have been unfortunate, but there's still those who have the greatest things happen to them.
When they get to heaven(yes, I'm well aware you're probably gone to attack me for thinking of such a place and considered me idiotic and blind, but I'll stand by it) they will be cured. This life is filled with suffering, but all those who felt pain shall be healed when they get to heaven(this is my beleief, I don't mind if you disagree).
But for now, this world is a mixture of Darkness and Light. Yes, if you focus on the bad, it does seem forsaken. But if you realise there's also good in this world, you can see that it's not all one hell hole abandoned to suffer.
Yes, there's people who are caught in fires, but there's also people who would die to rescue that person. In a world forsaken by its creator, people like this would've died out long ago as they'd have no reason to see any good in the world to bother with giving a damn about someone elses life.
But I digress, I never intended to change your belief, I merely felt like sharing my own. :3
Evil? No. Flawed? Yes.
I don't think anyone is inherently evil, but we are all flawed. It's up to each person to decide to combat those flaws or not.
I don't think anyone is inherently evil, but we are all flawed. It's up to each person to decide to combat those flaws or not.
Nope. You can be good without god.
As a whole, humanity is not evil. It's somewhat akin to Yin and Yang; You get good and bad. The world is full of choices, it's those choices that determine if we are good or bad. Thats my personal opinion.
Good and Evil are simply abstract concepts created by humans to place labels upon both altruistic actions/thoughts, and selfish/counter-altruistic actions/thoughts. Same thing goes for human rights, freedoms, and to some extent even defined emotions. So, no. Humans are not inherently good or evil, we are simply (the majority) altruistic towards our fellow human beings within our societies due to biological (evolutionary) and social conditioning (what works, what doesn't work in history).
Although you could argue that sociopaths are inherently "evil" by the sane individual's standards, due to biologically being wired differently than the rest of us to be predisposed towards harming/killing others. But, then again, most sociopath's don't consider themselves to be "evil", however, simply "natural" (after all, they are biologically wired to believe such).
I'm an Agnostic Atheist. Are you going to tell me that I should give up (or can't legitimately care) on the world around me, and the people within it, simply because I don't subscribe to the aforementioned above father figure belief? If so, that is frankly a right slap across the face..
Although you could argue that sociopaths are inherently "evil" by the sane individual's standards, due to biologically being wired differently than the rest of us to be predisposed towards harming/killing others. But, then again, most sociopath's don't consider themselves to be "evil", however, simply "natural" (after all, they are biologically wired to believe such).
It's always so nice to see people whom have enough faith in humanity's good side without having to attribute it to a vague, physically detached all-powerful father figure that may or may not be typical human projection for the need of "purpose" in life they cannot create themselves.. /sarcastic sighAsuka Soryu said:
I'm an Agnostic Atheist. Are you going to tell me that I should give up (or can't legitimately care) on the world around me, and the people within it, simply because I don't subscribe to the aforementioned above father figure belief? If so, that is frankly a right slap across the face..
Christian. It may seem a bit confusing, but not all christian faiths are the same. :3 While the name's the same, the believes can varry by quite a bit.gamezombieghgh said:What do you call yourself?Asuka Soryu said:Thank you. Oh, in my religion, children will litter the streets. Anyone who dies a kid is admitted into heaven as they are innocent in the Lords eyes, as he understands they do not possess the capability to understand sin, or to praise him.gamezombieghgh said:You speak very eloquently and beautifully and while I'm not a Christian for several reasons, one of them being that to get into Heaven you have to believe in Jesus's sacrifice and try to follow his advice, something that doesn't fit with those who die very young I admire your optimism.Asuka Soryu said:Just the balance of the world. There is no light without dark and vice versa. How about a person who's dreams are granted? Out of sheer luck, they're right there at the right moment and get what they want?JesterRaiin said:How disabled, crippled, retarded, stillborn, dead at very young age, "human vegetables" and similar cases fit into your point of view ? Just curious...Asuka Soryu said:I like to think of it more like tough love. A father who's their, he cares but you never really notice it. You ignore it for all the pain you feel and you feel neglected, his love for you is ignored by all the bad times. He's watching, testing you. He wants you to earn life and toughen up through hardship, rather then hand everything to you and let you become spoiled and rotten. But, that's just my oppinion.JesterRaiin said:We are alone, lost, without purpose, scared and misguided but we're not evil per se.redisforever said:
I like to think that our creator has forsaken us and that's why we can't have nice things.
What about people born to become great, rememorable people. The world does seem like it's forgotten and unloved if you never look at the bright side.
Suffering is the path of humanity, they may have been unfortunate, but there's still those who have the greatest things happen to them.
When they get to heaven(yes, I'm well aware you're probably gone to attack me for thinking of such a place and considered me idiotic and blind, but I'll stand by it) they will be cured. This life is filled with suffering, but all those who felt pain shall be healed when they get to heaven(this is my beleief, I don't mind if you disagree).
But for now, this world is a mixture of Darkness and Light. Yes, if you focus on the bad, it does seem forsaken. But if you realise there's also good in this world, you can see that it's not all one hell hole abandoned to suffer.
Yes, there's people who are caught in fires, but there's also people who would die to rescue that person. In a world forsaken by its creator, people like this would've died out long ago as they'd have no reason to see any good in the world to bother with giving a damn about someone elses life.
But I digress, I never intended to change your belief, I merely felt like sharing my own. :3
Anyways, we've really gone off topic. lol I am the master of going off topic~ Whoo~ So, anyways. I'll just end with this: it was nice chatting with you and I'm happy to see you're not one of the people who have condemned me for believing in God. Now to stop here before the mods drop their wrath on us.
Humanity is inherently good on an individual basis. We are out to ultimately improve our own lives and the lives of those we care about. It's this hunger for materials, wealth and survival that create inequality and perceived evil.
Looking at things from the outside on a macro level, it is easy to view humanity as evil. Look at our lives from an individual basis and the vast majority of us are raised to be good.
Looking at things from the outside on a macro level, it is easy to view humanity as evil. Look at our lives from an individual basis and the vast majority of us are raised to be good.
'Good' and 'Evil' are very subjective, but if you take the basic, semi-objective idea( Help people vs. hurt people) then it evens out somewhere roughly around 'Neutral'. There are people who devote their lives to helping others, people who try to be as nice as they can, people who just do what they want, people who are cruel to others, and murderers, thieves, and worse. As for purely subjective morality (ethics?), such as religions and philosophies, they may be viewed as good, neutral or evil depending on one's perspective.
