This is just something that's been on my mind for a while lately.
What do you think, fellow escapists? Are people essentially good or essentially bad / evil?
What's confusing to me is the goodness you may find in human beings for no apparent reason. Just a smile or encouraging word at the right time may turn someone's life around. In addition, there are numerous people who can put their own wishes aside and truly sacrifice themselves to help out people they love. I know it sounds terribly corny, but love is a very powerful force.
Then again, well... just look at the internet. Ever glanced at the comments on a Youtube video or random meme? It's downright depressing. As soon as the virtual walls are up, people can turn into animals. Not once thinking about the repercussions of their actions. They seem to forget that they're talking to real people. And it's not just on the internet, in real life too people can be terribly selfish, greedy and evil.
So... what is it? Are we humans essentially good? Evil? Or just a plain mixture of both? I'm curious to hear your opinions.
EDIT: Added the extra option 'Neither' to the poll
What do you think, fellow escapists? Are people essentially good or essentially bad / evil?
What's confusing to me is the goodness you may find in human beings for no apparent reason. Just a smile or encouraging word at the right time may turn someone's life around. In addition, there are numerous people who can put their own wishes aside and truly sacrifice themselves to help out people they love. I know it sounds terribly corny, but love is a very powerful force.
Then again, well... just look at the internet. Ever glanced at the comments on a Youtube video or random meme? It's downright depressing. As soon as the virtual walls are up, people can turn into animals. Not once thinking about the repercussions of their actions. They seem to forget that they're talking to real people. And it's not just on the internet, in real life too people can be terribly selfish, greedy and evil.
So... what is it? Are we humans essentially good? Evil? Or just a plain mixture of both? I'm curious to hear your opinions.
EDIT: Added the extra option 'Neither' to the poll