Humans: Are we evil?
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Neither, good and evil are society based. We are more self fish and greedy and what stems from that could be considered evil.
But most of the time, humans are good people who try to do good things.
But most of the time, humans are good people who try to do good things.
No we aren't inherently evil. It's not a case of good and evil, it's a case of a spectrum separating the two. There are a hell of a lot of good willed, good natured, good fun people out there, as well as the complete dickhats.
There's no real black and white, there is only shades of gray.
There's no real black and white, there is only shades of gray.
Unregulated, we can get pretty evil, but at least we have the good sense to regulate ourselves with laws and moral systems (well, most of us. Can't talk for politicians or Wall St types).
I'd say as a species, we fall short of our standards. I imagine any (hypothetical) sentient species with a moral system would fall short of its standards, since you're supposed to set morality as something you aim to achieve, not achieve with ease without effort.
I'd say as a species, we fall short of our standards. I imagine any (hypothetical) sentient species with a moral system would fall short of its standards, since you're supposed to set morality as something you aim to achieve, not achieve with ease without effort.
What is good? What is evil? Are they merely social constructs, or is there an objective standard of goodness? And if there is an objective standard, what is it and how do we decide it?
Personally, I believe that there is an objective standards of goodness that is based on the teachings of Christ.
So, if my beliefs about God are correct, then we are all inclined toward evil, but we can be redeemed and justified through Christ.
I also believe that if there is/are no God/gods/karma/chi/etc, if there is no transcendent spiritual reality, then "good" and "evil" have no meaning, there are just ideas that some animals with super-evolved intelligence (that's us) made up.
So, if there is/are no God/gods/karma/chi/etc, I believe that "good" and "evil" have no objective value and are inherently meaningless. We're all just really smart animals looking to survive and propagate our genetic material. Why bother having such deeply ingrained ideas that "good and evil" exist and that we have the power to judge what they are?
Philosophical ramblings aside, I believe that humanity is more evil than good, which makes choosing good all the more meaningful. Goodness would be less significant if it were the norm.
Personally, I believe that there is an objective standards of goodness that is based on the teachings of Christ.
So, if my beliefs about God are correct, then we are all inclined toward evil, but we can be redeemed and justified through Christ.
I also believe that if there is/are no God/gods/karma/chi/etc, if there is no transcendent spiritual reality, then "good" and "evil" have no meaning, there are just ideas that some animals with super-evolved intelligence (that's us) made up.
So, if there is/are no God/gods/karma/chi/etc, I believe that "good" and "evil" have no objective value and are inherently meaningless. We're all just really smart animals looking to survive and propagate our genetic material. Why bother having such deeply ingrained ideas that "good and evil" exist and that we have the power to judge what they are?
Philosophical ramblings aside, I believe that humanity is more evil than good, which makes choosing good all the more meaningful. Goodness would be less significant if it were the norm.
Since it hasn't occured again and since litterally almost the entire populations of several countries all put aside their differences to end it.....themutantlizard said:
Hooray!Chevy235 said:
Nope, like Mr. Reagan I believe that all humans are born good. But somethings influence us to be bad
We didn't know! We weren't aware of the dangers at the time! Hopefully the trial will begin soon and those that caused the problem will be put to death.CalluesCow said:
The Answer is yes. but only to fit in, for example in the time when we where kids we always did what the group did not what the outliers did.
"You're an interesting species. An interesting mix. You're capable of such beautiful dreams, and such horrible nightmares." - Contact
People have been debating this forever. First ask yourself if it is correct to assume all human beings are subject to the same conditions upon birth and environment. The answer is clearly no. Look around you at the world you live in. Do people commit evil deeds? Yes. Do people commit good deeds? Also yes. Your answer seems to be somewhere between. The best solution isn't to judge the whole of humanity.
Also, as far as the millgram electric shock experiment went, not everyone (at least in the original experiment) were willing to go all the way and were often uncomfortable administering the electric shocks.
Also, as far as the millgram electric shock experiment went, not everyone (at least in the original experiment) were willing to go all the way and were often uncomfortable administering the electric shocks.
Well, sorry to dissapoint you, but that hasn't changed a thing for me. And no, you've compleately misunderstood. I said there's a mixture. It's truely impossible to never suffer, but I disbelieve that there's anyone who's led a full life of nothing of good, where nothing good was ever there, no one gave a damn, the world constantly abused them, they were born broken and only got worse and worse and worse, with nothing EVER good happening, not even a bit of good in any form.JesterRaiin said:Naaaaaah, it's impossible for me to change my beliefs without application of strong alcoholic beverages, so don't worry.Asuka Soryu said:
I am curious about this :
Then - if i understand correctly - it is completely possible for some people to suffer whole life, while other seem to be born in and never leave land of happiness ?Asuka Soryu said:
I guess so. I mean - come on, there's no denying that there's no equality, that some people are "cursed" from the day they were born to the end. So, we have serious issue of injustice here that gave birth to thinking like this :
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjWko47X45I/TdKtt9PqBII/AAAAAAAAAXk/QMPf5LGaXao/s1600/Epicurus+Quote.jpg
Everything would be fine if any given human would have to bear his share of pain AND also enjoy equal amount of happiness, but life doesn't work that way.
I think that truth is a little closer to Islam or maybe some Hindu traditions that are presenting the world as nothing more than "theatre" with us being only actors playing their role.
I don't count on changing your beliefs (maybe-not-so-similar reasons like mine i guess, but still) with my monologue, but i'd be happy for igniting even a little spark of doubt in that thinking of yours.
Life is like a test, you're earning your way. You suffer to become more, some break but others take their suffering and turn it around, making success. From working hard to break free of proverty and to live a life of happiness you can now share.
We merely earn are admittance to Heaven, as humans have already prooved that they're bad at listening and if handed everything to them, they lose any care for rules.
Heaven is a reward for the humans who disprove that they are hate filled, evil creatures.
I think it shows that humans aren't really worth it. We harm, maim, disobey, lie, cheat, steal. If God really didn't care for us he'd surely have killed us all off. What entertainment do we propose? Would an almighty being need entertainment? Boredom is something that affects us. Truely, assuming that god lets us suffer for amusement is to proclaim him as a human. As humans are greatly known for watching others suffer and enjoy it. Look at video games, we find it fun to shoot down people.
Comedy? We love it when someone's hurt in a comical fashion. Evil is stemmed from the one thing he gaves us. Free will. For we choose to fall down the path of evil.
God merely watches, hoping you will take your free will and use it to proove you're not evil but good.
His reward for prooving yourself is to end pain, to end all these problems. But most people look at life like it's the one and only thing. Like reading a book halfway, quitting after all the horrible parts, only to skip the chapters when it takes a turn.
Evil is merely from the hands of the devil and humans. Though, it's not truely the devil who forms evil. He merely guides humans down said path.
A lot of people would say that it's right to kill a murderer. But does that not makes us fall to their level? Yet, not many would think that. Humans have the abillity to be sick and twisted, yes this life is tough, but don't think God's the one who you can blame for everything. Humans are the ones who 'cause a lot of this shit to happen. Even spreading disease. But of course, it's much easier to say God's not their or he doesn't care or he's evil, rather then admit that humans are a fucking disgrace, but as you can see we as humans have been getting better. From the days when murder, rape and violence was okay to the days when we finally stopped that shit and made it against the law.
Humans have free will, evil is something we're not suppose to do, but we have free will. So we don't have to 'obey' such principles.
And I quote: "God never said life would be easy, he just said he'd be there with you"
This got me the most: A man and Jesus are walking in the sand, they leave behind 4 prints(2 for the both of them). Later on the man notices only a single pair of footprints and asks Jesus why he wasn't their in that part of life. Jesus replys: "I have always been there" the man then asked why there was only a single set of prints, Jesus then replyed: "That is because when you were sick and tired, I would carry you"
God never leaves you, you just never see him because you focus on all the bad. Who are we to cry fowl when we think God has abandoned us? We've proven that we'll easily abandon him at the sign of hardship.
Everyone is Evil. Everyone is Good. Evil wars against Good, and Good wars against Evil. But when we question "What is Evil?" we have to question "What is Good?". When you answer that, you already know the answer. You grew up with the answer. Now try to answer it as if you never grew up with values. Answer it as if you have no base understanding of what Right and Wrong is. Now tell me, what are these answers?
That question is impossible to answer, because there is no answer. We are both Good and Evil, in fact, we are Human (Shocking!). The false answer is we already know what is Good and Evil, because the Dominant Culture demands what is Right and Wrong using Sanctions to control our beliefs. The true answer is non-existent, because in that case, Culture doesn't exist, and thus cannot control any believes, however nonexistent they may be.
That question is impossible to answer, because there is no answer. We are both Good and Evil, in fact, we are Human (Shocking!). The false answer is we already know what is Good and Evil, because the Dominant Culture demands what is Right and Wrong using Sanctions to control our beliefs. The true answer is non-existent, because in that case, Culture doesn't exist, and thus cannot control any believes, however nonexistent they may be.
http://www.fogartyfilms.com/images/1.pngAsuka Soryu said:
http://media.nowpublic.net/images//0f/9/0f9358cff1337e2751dc7295139483a4.jpg
http://standeyo.com/NEWS/08_Food_Water/08_Food_Water_pics/081011.Afghan.kids.jpg
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20080105/0013729e451808e9b8c12a.jpg
...you mean, occasional, shiny trinket found in a pile of garbage should be considered sign of mixture, positiveness, goodness and God's protection ?
Warning, disturbing content !Asuka Soryu said:
No, really disturbing.
http://sp2.fotolog.com/photo/50/53/57/johannkrieger/1246578643435_f.jpg
So, after seeing this photo, and reading something about Bhopal's tragedy, please remind me - what was earned, and where's this mixture, because it somewhat eludes me...