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[Darkmakaimura]

Yes, I know it's a stupid epiphany and it should be plainly obvious but I try to lie to myself and think most people have some good in them.

The fact is a lot of people are just stinking fucking rotten.

I mean this can be even proven in figures like Gandhi or Mother Teresa. They were far from being good people.

And it's to my disappointment that it seems most of my friends and most people I know are like that too.

That is not to say that there is not good people out there. I'm sure there are but the vast majority are just pretty fucking awful.

 

[AJUMP23]

Ya God says that too. There is none righteous.

 

[HRK69]

The idea that most people have good in them starts to feel like a fairy tale when the evidence around you shows that, more often than not, people are out for themselves or too busy protecting their own interests to care about anyone else

 

[Darkmakaimura]

The idea that most people have good in them starts to feel like a fairy tale when the evidence around you shows that, more often than not, people are out for themselves or too busy protecting their own interests to care about anyone else

Man isn't that the truth.

Oh you can call yourself in an anarco -socialist all you want. You're nothing but a left-wing fucking fascist nazi.

 

[T8SC]

Don't worry Darkmakaimura

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

If there are good people in the world.

 

[HRK69]

Nvm

 

[Grildon Tundy]

From living and observation, I've decided that when people say something is "good", it means it aligns with their interests. "Evil" is that which doesn't align with their interests. That's it.

I like to think most people's interests are to improve their own and others' lives and to minimize harm, but there are times when the self-interests of two "good" people or groups compete. Now they're each others' "evil".

I guess it's not that profound. Even Anakin in the Star Wars prequels knows it: "From my point of view, the Jedi are evil".

Personally, I think there is an objective "good", but in practice and to create a definition of "good" that applies to everyone's subjective definition, the above is my take.

 

[Angry_Megalodon]

The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the
Inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men

 

[clarky]

The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the
Inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men

Say what one more time mother fucker, i double dare you.

 

[bitbydeath]

Depends on how you define “good”.

Will they agree with all your beliefs? No.
Will they help you out in a time of crisis? Yes.

 

[DownLikeBCPowder]

Most people, barring constant external influence, I think are neutral at worst. Now if conditions arise that pose a threat or even a perceived threat to their personal well being or that of their family's, things shift quite a bit. So while I would agree most people are not inherently "good", I also don't believe they are "bad".

 

[Hugare]

Everyone is flawed. There's no such thing as someone who isn't bad sometimes.

Do you think you are good? All the time? With everyone you meet?

A nice exercise is trying to understand why someone was mean to you. It's easy to label someone as a jerk without context. Maybe she/he is having some personal problems? Having a bad day?

I think there are some really evil people out there, but not most people.

 

[Wildebeest]

New Testament good is sort of impossible, but Old Testament good is a bit more squirrelly and if you are willing to grovel in front of god for all eternity and think of nothing other than how amazing he is, then you basically have it made. You could kill children in the street and be a good guy with that system.

 

[bitbydeath]

Everyone is flawed. There's no such thing as someone who isn't bad sometimes.

Do you think you are good? All the time? With everyone you meet?

A nice exercise is trying to understand why someone was mean to you. It's easy to label someone as a jerk without context. Maybe she is having some personal problems? Having a bad day?

I think there are some really evil people out there, but not most people.

Exactly this.
If you don’t think you live up to your ideology of ‘good’ then maybe your ideology is wrong.

 

[MaestroMike]

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

Everyone is flawed. There's no such thing as someone who isn't bad sometimes.

Do you think you are good? All the time? With everyone you meet?

A nice exercise is trying to understand why someone was mean to you. It's easy to label someone as a jerk without context. Maybe she is having some personal problems? Having a bad day?

I think there are some really evil people out there, but not most people.

This

 

[clarky]

Just part of growth op. I thought I had loads of friends when i was younger but most of them will let you down eventually whether they remain freinds is up to you.

Just learn to live with peoples failings, including your own and you'll be fine.

 

[Darkmakaimura]

So much good advice here and so much logic. This is what I like about this place is it's one of the more mature forums on the internet. I know I can come here for some help.

 

[T.v]

What did your roommate do now?

 

[Redneckerz]

Accepting that you are on your own and most people won't be the ideal figures you wish them to be, including yourself is a harsh reality not everyone is willing to accept. So many choose to live in denial.

But if you accept it, then you can start living like a winner. I am aware of my flaws, but i choose not to let them define me. I choose to be better than my flaws and be straight up against everyone, including family, friends, and work.

That attitude change has gained me a lot of perks, simply by speaking out and not being fearful of what might happen. You can alter these outcomes, it just takes some balls to do that.

 

[clarky]

Accepting that you are on your own and most people won't be the ideal figures you wish them to be, including yourself is a harsh reality not everyone is willing to accept. So many choose to live in denial.

But if you accept it, then you can start living like a winner. I am aware of my flaws, but i choose not to let them define me. I choose to be better than my flaws and be straight up against everyone, including family, friends, and work.

That attitude change has gained me a lot of perks, simply by speaking out and not being fearful of what might happen. You can alter these outcomes, it just takes some balls to do that.

Being "against" everyone? What do you mean by that? because taking that at face value might be the wrong way to go through life dude.

Then again, whatever works works i guess.

 

[Redneckerz]

Being "against" everyone? What do you mean by that? because taking that at face value might be the wrong way to go through life dude.

Then again, whatever works works i guess.

Not ''against'' as in being contrarian, rather, being straight up on them. Not beating around the bush too much. Putting your interests in first and making that known goes a long way.

 

[clarky]

Not ''against'' as in being contrarian, rather, being straight up on them. Not beating around the bush too much. Putting your interests in first and making that known goes a long way.

I see. Makes more sense.

 

[Hugare]

So much good advice here and so much logic. This is what I like about this place is it's one of the more mature forums on the internet. I know I can come here for some help.

Kinda topic related, so if you really want to go down the rabbit hole, reflect about this:

Have you ever imagined how different each person you know thinks about you? Based on their experiences with you.

You know who you are. But every person you've ever met knows you based on those moments you've spent together. If you were a jerk at that day, and that person have only met you that day, then to that person you are a jerk. Even if you aren't a jerk 99% of the time.

So there's a version of yourself for each person that knows you. And they are never the same. Thats kinda nuts.

 

[ConkerTheSquirrel.]

As a human being, I think it's essential to strike a balance between "good" and "evil".

If you're not aware that you're capable of doing one or the other, then their definitions has lost its meaning.

I don't think it's realistic to expect a person to fully embody a concept like that.

 

[clarky]

Kinda topic related, so if you really want to go down the rabbit hole, reflect about this:

Have you ever imagined how different each person you know thinks about you? Based on their experiences with you.

You know who you are. But every person you've ever met knows you based on those moments you've spent together. If you were a jerk at that day, and that person have only met you that day, then to that person you are a jerk. Even if you aren't a jerk 99% of the time.

So there's a version of yourself for each person that knows you. And they are never the same. Thats kinda nuts.

Yeah but those people that only met you for that one day when you where a dick, who gives a fuck. We all have off days.

 

[ConkerTheSquirrel.]

I remember hearing this somewhere, so I'm paraphrasing:

When a cat does cat things, like hunt for mice, we don't attach any moral judgement to it, except for it being a cat.

EDIT: It can appear cute, but it also has it's dark side.

 

[clarky]

I remember hearing this somewhere, so I'm paraphrasing:

When a cat does cat things, like hunt for mice, we don't attach any moral judgement to it, except for it being a cat.

Says the fucking squirrel. lets see how that work out for you when tiddles is ripping you intestines out.

 

[Hugare]

Yeah but those people that only met you for that one day when you where a dick, who gives a fuck. We all have off days.

They might go online later that day saying most people arent good

Thats my point: if we have "off days", then no one is 100% good.

At my job, for example. I've been ignoring someone's Slack message for days lately, 'cause we lost 3 members of my team recently. To that person, I'm an asshole. Since feedbacks are company wide, she might give me a terrible feedback for that.

So I try to give a fuck to everyone's feelings, but of course, its impossible.

 

[Liljagare]

Most of us just want to be alive.

All of our behaviour is about survival.

 

[ConkerTheSquirrel.]

Most of us just want to be alive.

All of our behaviour is about survival.

Exactly. I'll shoot a mutherfucker if he threatens me or my loved ones existence.

You wanna label that as evil? I won't hesitate to do it again and again if it means the survival of my loved ones.

 

[SJRB]

Super hard disagree.

On average the majority of people are good by default. Not amazing, but "be decent to each other" good while they try to get through the day. At least, that's the default where I live.

I wonder what it is that makes you tink most people are not good.

 

[Liljagare]

Super hard disagree.

On average the majority of people are good by default. Not amazing, but "be decent to each other" good while they try to get through the day. At least, that's the default where I live.

I wonder what it is that makes you tink most people are not good.

Try experiencing warfare and starvation, it is a thoughtfull process.

 

[SJRB]

Try experiencing warfare and starvation, it is a thoughtfull process.

Warfare and starvation are not the default human condition for the large majority of the general population.

 

[PuppetMaster]

From living and observation, I've decided that when people say something is "good", it means it aligns with their interests. "Evil" is that which doesn't align with their interests. That's it.

I like to think most people's interests are to improve their own and others' lives and to minimize harm, but there are times when the self-interests of two "good" people or groups compete. Now they're each others' "evil".

I guess it's not that profound. Even Anakin in the Star Wars prequels knows it: "From my point of view, the Jedi are evil".

Personally, I think there is an objective "good", but in practice and to create a definition of "good" that applies to everyone's subjective definition, the above is my take.

I've come to similar realizations. And the whole world started making much more sense to me once I started rejecting seeing everything in terms of objective good and evil.

What people are categorizing in thier simple mind buckets as good or evil is largely what aligns with their self interests.

I believe this concept of "good and evil" itself is a tool humans created during our evolution to rule each other. It make the masses easier to rule when Rulers define what is good/evil. And then guide a community toward a specific set of self interests.

Somewhat amusingly, in my own life even though I might think I am so enlightend rejecting "good and evil" in my own thought processes; But once my son was born, and I had to start raising him, I absolutely embraced "good and evil" as the useful tool it is to guide him. It is just so simple and powerful as a concept, I just don't know if a better way exists for training a young mind. But I use it with the full understanding that all I am doing is aligning his self interests with mine.

 

[clarky]

Super hard disagree.

On average the majority of people are good by default. Not amazing, but "be decent to each other" good while they try to get through the day. At least, that's the default where I live.

I wonder what it is that makes you tink most people are not good.

It depends on how you define good. I get the impression that the OP has been let down by his nearest and dearest. Happens to the the best of us.

Does this make those people inheritly bad? The answer is no in my experience. Most peoples actions that hurt us are not done out of malice but only to protect themselves. When you identify the real cunts that get gratification from others misery, they are the ones to cut loose and they are fee and far between.

 

[ConkerTheSquirrel.]

I believe this concept of "good and evil" itself is a tool humans created during our evolution to rule each other. It make the masses easier to rule when Rulers define what is good/evil. And then guide a community toward a specific set of self interests.

I was agreeing with you until the bold. Society itself created the concept of good and evil. Without it, civilization wouldn't exist. Morality only matters within the confines of civilization, and these rulers (if they're doing their job properly) should enforce it; outside of it, I see no utility in it other than it being a virtue. "Good and evil" should be used when governing how to deal with each other.

Would morality matter if I was stranded in an island fending for myself? There's no one else that I have to consider but myself. Should I consider the rules of civilization in this situation? Or am I going to act in the best interest of myself and my survival?

But yeah, for the most part, I agree with you. It's just that, rulers have to play their part in all this, too. EDIT: but I can see them using their power to their own self-interest, so... ugh, i dunno

 

[Darkmakaimura]

Kinda topic related, so if you really want to go down the rabbit hole, reflect about this:

Have you ever imagined how different each person you know thinks about you? Based on their experiences with you.

You know who you are. But every person you've ever met knows you based on those moments you've spent together. If you were a jerk at that day, and that person have only met you that day, then to that person you are a jerk. Even if you aren't a jerk 99% of the time.

So there's a version of yourself for each person that knows you. And they are never the same. Thats kinda nuts.

Hey what you make sense. People have made sense here because I think people here are beyond the age of 40 years old and get it. That's why I stay here. You're not a bunch of backwards baseball cap wearing dipshits.

 

[PuppetMaster]

I was agreeing with you until the bold. Society itself created the concept of good and evil. Without it, civilization wouldn't exist. Morality only matters within the confines of civilization, and these rulers (if they're doing their job properly) should enforce it; outside of it, I see no utility in it other than it being a virtue. "Good and evil" should be used when governing how to deal with each other.

Would morality matter if I was stranded in an island fending for myself? There's no one else that I have to consider but myself. Should I consider the rules of civilization in this situation? Or am I going to act in the best interest of myself and my survival?

But yeah, for the most part, I agree with you. It's just that, rulers have to play their part in all this, too. EDIT: but I can see them using their power to their own self-interest, so... ugh, i dunno

Yes, I do not disagree with the utility of the concept of good and evil. And I agree civilization itself as we know it may not exist without it.

What I am saying is it has been useful to me to see it for what it is: A tool.

The OP original question about "are most people good or evil" will get answers all over the place determined by thier own interests, and who they see as "most people".

But it could be reframed as are most peoples self interests aligned with the community they live in. And is the community they live in aligned with the state, the county, the world, etc. And not all of these answers are the same. Where geographically and when in time they were born are very significant in this model. Like you said, if you were alone on an island, your framing of good and evil would be different.

 

[Krathoon]

I was really irritated when Covid first hit. Everyone was out for themselves and raided the stores.

 

[chakadave]

Yes without Jesus we are Dead in Our sin. And nothing we do makes us good.

 

[clarky]

Yes, I do not disagree with the utility of the concept of good and evil. And I agree civilization itself as we know it may not exist without it.

What I am saying is it has been useful to me to see it for what it is: A tool.

The OP original question about "are most people good or evil" will get answers all over the place determined by thier own interests, and who they see as "most people".

But it could be reframed as are most peoples self interests aligned with the community they live in. And is the community they live in aligned with the state, the county, the world, etc. And not all of these answers are the same. Where geographically and when in time they were born are very significant in this model. Like you said, if you were alone on an island, your framing of good and evil would be different.

Just been thinking about this. Personally i think evil is defined only by negative actions that result in only self gratification. Basically The opposite of altruism but there is no examples if either extreme i can think of.

 

[clarky]

Yes without Jesus we are Dead in Our sin. And nothing we do makes us good.

Get real. Simulation theory is more plausible than some dude who basically has a hell of a lot to answer for.

 

[DeafTourette]

I believe there is good in Many of us.

I have friends who CHOOSE to help complete strangers when they're down and I've done the same. They've helped me and I've helped them.

It's about what you CHOOSE to do outside of yourself. For me, Jesus is the inspiration for that. Jane Goodall could be the inspiration for someone else. And two of my best friends are atheists.

Are there some selfish people out there? Yes! But I contend that there are a many who have good hearts even while not ALWAYS acting towards their better angels.

 

[Sub_Level]

It depends on how you define good. I get the impression that the OP has been let down by his nearest and dearest. Happens to the the best of us.

“You can make no mistakes and still lose. That is not failure. That is life.” - Gandalf, Harry Potter

 

[clarky]

“You can make no mistakes and still lose. That is not failure. That is life.” - Gandalf, Harry Potter

One of my oldest friends made a massive mistake and hurt me really badly back in the day. There was a alternate time line where we fell out and never spoke again and that would have been my biggest mistake. None of us are perfect.

I've made some huge errors in my time and im thankful those that matter are still around.

"Fear causes hesitation, and hesitation causes your worst fears to come true" Bodie. Not entirely relevant but sticks with me.

 

[calistan]

My best friend's motto is "you can be anything you want to be, just don't be a dick."

There are plenty of people who would try to live like that, but she's the only person I've ever met who actually does it. She has no malice.

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

I just gaslight myself into believing some moral relativism nihilism bullshit then never have to worry about feeling bad about what I do

 

[chakadave]

Get real. Simulation theory is more plausible than some dude who basically has a hell of a lot to answer for.

Simulation theory requires more faith. And in fact I think it reinforces a Creator. So you already agree with a lot of what I do.

Answer to what? Where do you get your idea of good and evil?