Is once a thief always a thief?

Question

What about steal from the rich give to the poor?

Answer 1

No. Simply read Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.

Most thieves will always be thieves because of the lack of reform programs in prisons. We are not teaching those we put in jail how to correct their problems; we are just keeping them off the streets as long as possible. Until we develop a program to reform and correct the problems of criminals, they will just get harder and harder.

But not all thieves always remain a thief. Thanks to various non-profit organizations, some prison reform has taken place. Some prisoners have experienced true repentance and will never return to their former grimy ways.

In Les Miserables, the protaganist Jean Valjean is begins a criminal just released from prison. Due to most people's common prejudice towards criminals, Valjean is not able to find any place to take shelter in. Finally, thanks to the advice of a kind woman, he finds the home of the local priest who kindly takes him in. That night, Jean spots some silver,arousing his old ways, and he steals it. It appears here that no criminal can be reformed, but the story continues. The priest, finding the silver gone, does not fret but only thanks God that he has been able to help a poor man.

Later that day, the police bring Valjean back to the priest's house, for their prejudice overcame them, and they could not trust that a as lowly looking a man as Valjean could not afford silver. The priest reprimands the officers saying that he has given the silver to Valjean. Valjean is shocked by this kind lie. After the officers leave, the priest gives Valjean the rest of all his valuables and sends him off.

The rest of the story tells of Valjean changed for good and never returned to his old nature. He ended up becoming a great help to society and was a blessing to many. However, the government did not believe in reform and tried to hunt him down his whole life. They would not allow him to do good, and through their harshness, almost pushed him back into his former life.

Through his book, Hugo demonstrated for society how criminals can reform, if only people will let down their prejudice and help them get their feet back in society. Another key in reform is the institution of religion. It is only through religion that thieves can experience true repentance met with true forgiveness.

So thus said, a thief will not always be a thief.

Answer 2

Always A Thief

Answer 3

I agree with the first person - that would be a good thief - Robin Hood!

Some people steal as children to see if they can get away with it. In most cases this is just a phase (or only happens until the child gets caught).

Some people steal only food - because they are starving. If they are given the opportunity of education and job training - it will most likely stop.

I've seen homeless people steal from the shopping carts of other homeless people - this is tragic!

In the case of someone like a jewel thief, he may or may not change his ways after being caught. Bank robber - same deal.

Answer 4

Once a theif doesn't mean you're always a theif.
You can change your ways.
once a theif you can change, not steal anymore.
And people do not understand that just because you steal, lie, or cheat does not mean you have to do it again!!!
You/they can change.
And steal from the rich and give to the poor, you are still going to get into trouble with the law but it kind of is the right thing

Answer 5

In alot of cases yes, once a thief, always a thief. But I have seen some exceptions to that. I think it depends on why they are/were a thief, too.

Answer 6

I've always been a thief. I STEAL AND GIVE IT TO ME! Now I'm stealing from the rich and giving to the rich!

Answer 7

Is once a thief always a thief?

Well it depends on the person whether they choose to forgive themselve and turn away from what they did as long as they don't get caught lol.

Answer 8

A thief who sees proper and familiar results in own efforts is bound to declare and be accurate deeds accounted are of benefit to mankind. Now if not successes into believing is providing to society, or perhaps somebody else is not convinced of proper work or sexual behavior, law itself will attempt to provide for its own maintenance and appearance of order and effort, giving the thief some sport and hunt. Whoever trusts theft is proper or giving to society or emotion is bound to account to thief and his prolonged job accountability. Most thiefs are again thiefs, mostly because of profit and love provided by friends and family, they too can have such.

Answer 9

From some experience I do believe that the tendency to thieve is never lost by those who had it to begin with.The older the sensible thief gets then the cleverer he gets and consequently the more selective; weighing the chances of success rather than jumping in without careful forethought. Thus he is caught less often and mostly spends his whole life quietly thieving when the chance arises, without ever getting caught.

Answer 10

Legally speaking -- no.
Once a thief, you can wait for statute of limitation to run out, usually 2 years for theft. And then they cannot prosecute you! So you are no longer a thief.