Do you think people are naturally mean or is it just the circumstances of the situation that cause it?

Question

I'd like to think its just the circumstances that cause it

Answer 1

I think some people are cowards and cowards make themselves feel better by bringing others down through actions that are cruel.
Circumstances are just an excuse. Choice is always present for good or ill.

Answer 2

Circumstances.

Answer 3

Before I had kids I would have said circumstances.

Now that I am around a lot of young kids, I say they are born naturally mean. They are just wired a little differently. I know these kid's parents and siblings. They are normal people and their other siblings are normal and kind. Every once in a while, you will just get a rotten egg.

Answer 4

I think a bit of both but 'circumstances' most definitely makes all the difference.

Answer 5

The only time I ever hear that someone is mean because they are "born that way" is when they are on trial for something horrible, and that's all they have for defense. So I agree; circumstantial. I'd also like to add that meanness seems to reach new levels when people are in groups, and there's some sort of ring-leader.

Answer 6

There are people out there who are mean in every circumstance.

Answer 7

I think its circumstances that people use as an excuse

Answer 8

I think it's past circumstances that cause them to be like that naturally.

Humans like to make others hurt like that have been. So if in the past someone hurt them, they're more likely to be like that in the future, even if it was years ago that whatever hurt them happened.

Answer 9

Well if that's what you think it ought to be I am going to give the answer you gave and say circumstances in each situation.

Answer 10

The answer is both. The situation and that of a particular person's personality. Some people tolerate things better than others.