Inherently good or inherently evil?

Question

Do you believe an individual is inherently good or inherenly evil, and what is your proof?

Please only answer if you have more to say than just 'good' or 'evil.' I am honestly interested in knowing why you think the way you do.

Because this is a "what do you think" question, I will not be choosing a best answer, even though there are some I like more than others. This really wasn't a question on who is right or wrong but why you have your beliefs. Thanx to all who gave their imput.

Answer 1

I believe that individuals are naturally evil..though evil is too strong of a word. By evil I mean 'self serving' because of our basis of behavior, which is of course, nature! In Psychology it is believed that humans are naturally 'bad' because of our biological basis. We practice survival of the fittest, even to this day! ( we just don't notice this:) ) So because of this basis I believe that humans are only 'evil' because it is what has kept and still keeps us alive.

Answer 2

Defining 'inherently good' or 'inherently evil' involves a heck of a lot of generalization. But here I go anyway...

I believe humankind to be inherently good (for want of a better definition). Regardless of culture, politics, and religious beliefs, people want to be happy. There are many ways that people chose to accomplish this task, and yes, some people are made happy by doing 'evil' things.

However, most people are not. Most people just want to enjoy their lives.

Happiness may be short-sighted as a reason for believing the good in humankind, but, really.... how easy is it to be happy when evil is lurking?

Answer 3

Predominately good. We are all born perfectly self centered. Neither good nor bad with an infant. The normal process for all of us is to become more other centered as we grow, recognizing gradually we are not the center of the universe. Continued growth means a way of thinking that accepting gradually that we are a smaller & smaller part. Many seem to have arrested development that keeps them in selfish mode. I believe most of us get much past that point. Thus the belief that we are inherently good.

Answer 4

Neutral. We as humans will always have a struggle within us between right and wrong, good and bad...it is a matter of an individual making decisions to be either good or evil.
Beginning in infancy there is an inner battle between selfishness and altruism, it is all a matter of over the course of your life finding the right combination of the two to put you in a good place in your life.

Answer 5

Absolutely. True good is based on truth, truth leads to love and relationships based on honesty, trust and caring. Evil stems from lies, it is is no wonder evil is often defined by the "author of lies", who uses lies to twist the truth, making good appear bad and bad good. Lies are a form of hate, which lead to distrust and all other acts of sin and this leads to the evil. True evil is often disguised by its appearance of "goodness", but under the outward appearance is the fact that the evil people will sacrifice the goodwill of all those around them to sustain their "image of being good", rather than being good. They can steal lie and cheat without conscience, and exploit others as a means to get by in life. Truly good people care about doing the right thing when no one sees them, about being good rather then being perceived as good, and good people do not sacrifice the well being of others to sustain their own deceit. Rather the good are inclined to sacrifice their own wellbeing for the sake of others.

Answer 6

good or evil seems more determined by the kind of culture you live in. if those around me are good examples then people have lots of twisted thoughts. suicide is widely considered a sin yet sometimes is a better choice if life is horrible beyond reproach. stealing, killing, or cannibalism may be right or wrong depending on circumstances. i could go on and on but treat others like you want to be treated, unless you like having hot wax dripped on your tender parts, then get permission first.

Answer 7

There are many possible answers to your query, none of them necessarily incorrect - we are all born of a sin nature, due to what Eve, then Adam, did in the Garden....therefore, humans are not necessarily "evil", but neither are they "good" as compared to the Perfection of Jesus Christ, Whom we are to live up to. People are blinded by the enemy, and more so as each day get closer to the Rapture of the Church...they do not want to acknowledge that God is their Creator...they will deny Him, blaspheme Him, etc etc just as was Prophesied many years ago. The difference is to accept God as their Creator and Father, Jesus Christ as their Savior and to enjoy the blessings that They bestow on Believers. As stated in Scripture, many will want to enter Heaven, but few will gain entry (paraphrased)

Answer 8

Good.

becuase goodness comes from inside and demonstrates qualities like :

Gentleness, sophistication, benevolence, compassion, unselfishness, care for others' well being, hard work, honesty,
non violence and non aggression, respect for other individuals,
love for freedom and justice etc. etc.

Answer 9

A true person is beyond good and evil.[1]

Answer 10

First you would have to define what is good and what is evil.

Humans have inherent tendancies to express both selfish and altruistic / compassionate behavior.