do you think that people are basicly good, or basicly evil?

Answer 1

We're all basically evil saved by the grace of God...

Answer 2

They could be innocent which neither implies goodness or evil to begin with.

Although I am a Christian I'm not trying to "Doctronize" you, but for the record some of those giving "biblical answers" are making false statements. The bible makes it clear that men begin innocent, a state which neither implies goodness or evil. One answer said this is why Adam sinned, yet the same Scripture he quotes from also says there was no sin in Adam before the fall. There was nothing in Adam to imply evil, for if this be the case they fall into the trap that those ignorant Christians in the past set up due to their misunderstanding. This leads to God being the Creator of evil. Most Christians, although obviously not all, are going to say that freedom of the will implies the innocence of man. Adam was innocent, but being free rebelled against God. I know not too many people on here like the "Christian answer" and will give me the ole thumbs down, but oh well. My point is that man being innocent to begin with is a third possibility. Arguments, that is, logical ones, should persuade to turn from this possibility. Not a "thumbs down".

Answer 3

Well in my opinion, it depends. When people are born, babies are born pure, innocent, and completely oblivious of the world around them. However, as they get older, they lose that purity and become mature because the world around them is now exposed. Then at that point, they choose whether they're good or evil based on their actions and beliefs. Moreover, based on the fact that no one is perfect, people sometimes have the capacity to be either good or evil, which is sometimes based on their temptations and emotions.

Answer 4

People are basically good. -LRHubbard. There is proof, we are good, when we do something wrong, we withhold it, make lies up to justify it, and have a hard time disclosing it, that's because we are GOOD! Also, we 'do ourselves in' if we are too unethical. That's why people are self destructive, and do crimes and such, we are good people, and there are a very very small percentage of the world, who really do strive to do evil and harm others, and these are our suppressives.
That's why criminals are usually always trying to leave clues and want to be caught, because they want ethics and justice put in on them. They know they're wrong, but afraid of what will happen if others 'find out.'

Answer 5

I think people are basically good, but some get talked into evil things by other people.

Answer 6

Basically good. Have you ever seen an evil baby? Some of us become evil for various reasons but we are all born good.

Answer 7

basically self-centered. Being self-centered is both good and evil. Good because you can take care of yourself, evil because in this process you could sometime hurt someone else. So yeah a little bit of both.

Answer 8

we were born innocent. we have been transformed, conditioned and socialized, to like certain things and dislike others. ever person is different, but we also follow, even if we are leaders. some people follow the wrong things, to fit in, get caught up, don't want to work hard, don't like themselves. people aren't born insecure. it happens over a period of time. people are born good, but are somewhat evil. insecure, unhappy, etc. its part of life. we are all influenced.

Answer 9

It depends on the day. One day I love people and the next can't stand to be around them. It just seems like people care less about others these days and more about themselves. Or even when I hear a story of child abuse in some fashion, I get negative about others out there.

But then I hear stories of heros, valor, honesty and compassion. Those are the days I get some hope that there are good people out there.

So, this is definitely a question I feel I can't answer at this point in time. I will however, be pondering on that thought.

Answer 10

People are basically good... given adequate food, clothing shelter and family most of us don't do anything too terribly wrong... which is why evil commands so much attention because it's unusual.

Answer 11

Basically? I think that people can be taught to be both. People are "tabula rasa" a clean slate. Then life teaches them.
Picture a see saw. It is merely a plank of wood. Walk to one side, there is your good side, walk to the opposite side, there is the evil side. Strive to balance in the middle.