Are there people who were born evil and do evil for the sake of doing evil?
The notion of good and evil is defined by morality, which comes from the values taught by those who raise us—parents, grandparents, and society. Most often, these moral codes are based on religious or cultural beliefs. What is considered good or bad can vary dramatically depending on the environment in which we grow up. For example, some religions permit multiple wives, while others see this as sinful. The concept of evil is largely shaped by the value systems we are taught.
Innate Qualities and Talent
Everyone is born with specific qualities, both strengths and weaknesses. This explains why some individuals find certain things easier than others. For instance, one person may excel at memorizing poetry after one reading, while another is naturally good at quick calculations. Talent comes in two forms:
- natural – what we are born with
- acquired – what we develop through training.
However, recognizing and nurturing these talents requires the right education, which not all individuals have access to.
Negative Tendencies and Education
People are not born inherently evil, but they may have predispositions that, if not properly guided, could lead them toward negative behaviors. For instance, someone might take pleasure in feeling superior by hurting others or controlling their actions. Without proper education and support, these tendencies may grow stronger.
Unfortunately, identifying the correct approach to education at the right time is difficult. Schools that cater to individual needs are rare, and most people receive a general education that may not suit their unique talents. The education we provide often shows its effects only when a child reaches adulthood, which means the results can’t be corrected in real-time.
Balance Between Good and Evil
What makes someone “good” or “evil” often comes down to how much they develop harmful behaviors (negative selfishness) versus altruistic ones (positive selfishness). Harmful selfishness can lead to actions like greed, indifference to others’ suffering, or exploiting others for personal gain. Beneficial selfishness, however, contributes to the greater good—helping others while still feeling a sense of personal satisfaction.
Conclusion: People Are Not Born Evil
People are not born evil; rather, they may develop harmful tendencies due to improper guidance, lack of education, or the environment in which they are raised. It’s essential to understand that morality and behavior are shaped by both innate qualities and external influences. A person who takes pleasure in hurting others, for example, might simply be a product of negative experiences that reinforced such behavior. The right education and value system, however, can help people align with positive behaviors and overcome harmful tendencies.
“We do evil out of pleasure, and out of fear, we stop doing good.”