Innate evil

 

 

 

 

 

IOFTEN ponder as to what makes a person evil? By evil, I mean, someone who indulges in sinful, sinister, vicious, diabolical, corrupt and immoral acts. Are we born evil? Is it innate in all individuals? When we are born, our environment in which we are nurtured introduces us to certain precepts which we follow. Our morals and values are ingrained in us from an early age and as we grow older, we begin to comprehend the difference between good and evil, we become conscious of what is morally right and wrong and yet at times, in weak moments, we get tempted to do the

wrong thing.

What is it that tempts us? Is it the thrill and excitement? Is it haughtiness that makes us feel we can get away with anything? Are we anarchists who don’t feel the need to follow norms laid down by society?

We come across cases where children have killed their parents, or tried to do away with their siblings. We hear of incidents where friends indulge in diabolical acts against each other. What is it that incites such cruel deeds by humans? Are people born evil? Aristotle argued that morality is learned, and that we’re born as “amoral creatures” while Sigmund Freud considered new-born a moral blank slate. Anyone who has read ‘Lord of the Flies’ will expect children to be full-fledged sociopaths waiting to be freed from their adult imposed shackles to start a cult and brutally attempt to kill each other. Rousseau felt that man would be gentle and pure without the corruption of greed and inequality caused by the class system imposed by our society.

That being said, I feel every child is born innocent and generally behaves in an altruistic manner. He is like a sponge that absorbs everything happening around him. He watches, observes, learns and finally reacts just as he has learnt to react or behave in similar situations. Sometimes, a child may react or behave entirely out of context when he is left unattended by adults. This is where what is innate in you comes to the fore prompting you to act or react in a particular manner to a particular situation. We live in difficult times. Every second, records are being broken, discoveries and inventions happening, technology advancing, unimaginable feats being achieved. Ordinary is no longer appreciated and applauded. Every child is tutored to excel in everything that he or she does. The environment in which the child grows is filled with so much pressure that independent thinking, growing and learning at one’s own pace is vanishing and the child is being made to absorb things rapidly, confusing his young mind and overburdening it so much that it eventually leaves the child feeling vulnerable, frustrated, lost and angry. What does such a confused angry child do? He lashes out. He wants to draw attention of the world towards how miserable he is feeling and how much he needs us to help him out.

It’s time we open our eyes to this horrifying situation that is consuming our young minds. Give them the time, the space they need to grow and learn at their own pace. To love and nurture and feel, not only for humans but also for animals, for the nature and for everything around them. This universe is beautiful and everything created is a marvel in itself. Let us wake up everyday thanking the Almighty for this incredible creation and this beautiful gift of life.