The Absense of Evil.

[swestrup]

When I look at the world today, I don't see Evil anywhere. Not the capital-E Evil that is supposed to be some sort of intrinsic essence. Oh, I see deeds that I would classify as evil (as opposed to good), committed by folks who are sick, or delusional, or just sadly wrong in their thinking. I see no Evil people. I've often had a very hard time trying to explain this point of view to others. This article in Overcoming Bias is about the best explanation I've come across yet that explains my point of view.

EDIT: Oops. Link fixed.

Comments

[moomlyn.livejournal.com]

righteous indignation has always bothered me

[swestrup]

As well it should, but the way to cure it is to see it as the symptom of a disease, not as the disease itself. You never get anywhere just trying to cure the symptoms.

know thyself

[moomlyn.livejournal.com]

I am of the opinion that all humans are capeable of both beautiful creation and terrible destruction. The only way foreward for us as a species is to acknowledge both sides of ourselves. The sooner people let go of the idea that "we" are good, and would never do the terrible evil things which "they" are doing, the better.