Karen Waggoner
Writing 122
Instructor: Sandy Jensen
February 2 2010
“The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”(The Complexities of Human Nature)
When it comes to the discussions of human nature, most of us would agree that the topic of inherent good and evil has long been the interest of religious leaders, social scientists and philosophers alike. Are we inherently good? Or nothing more than potential? Some religious views are of the thought that Human beings are born evil. Whereas science tells us that we are born with nothing more than potential and our environment dictates who we become. It is my idea that we are born with good and evil natures both, and have great potential to evolve into one or the other. Although chance and circumstance play a role in our evolution, ultimately, it is our choices that make us who we are. One thing is sure, the study and dissection of human nature is a vast complex life long journey, full of contradiction, contrast and inconsistency, beauty and wonderment.
Free will, a thing a of beauty, can have devastating consequences. From a religious perspective, Adam and Eve were given free will and then told that if they ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil they would surely die. Upon eating from the tree their eyes were opened, they became self aware and tried to hide in shame from their creator. The consequences of their actions brought “The fall of man.” Setting the stage for all humanity to be born into sin. Therefore, evil and in need of salvation, sanctification, purification. This explains the extreme religious view but doesn’t give much hope. I think this view was adopted when Catholicism was taking over Europe between the 12th and 13th century during the Spanish Inquisition, during which, Muslims and Jews were tortured and killed if they did not convert to Christianity. Purging evil through evil deeds, in the name of religion. This is just one instance of hypocrisy and contradiction I came across while seeking the truth of human nature. Further study took a much less religious tone and showed more contrast in science, such as the bad blood, bad seed theories.
Scientific perspective has uncovered some fascinating data on the brains of serial killers, indicating some of these men are born with bad blood or just simply bad seeds. Though most death row inmates have had some type of severe brain injuries, some also have chemical imbalances causing a lack of capacity to control impulses, rendering them devoid of any fear, and seemingly emotionless machines. “After I am dead they’re going to open up my head and find that just like we’ve been saying a part of my brain is black and dry and dead,” said Bobby Joe Long, who murdered at least 10 women. Bobby suffered from multiple head injuries as a child, and also was born with an extra x- chromosome. Though, a bump on the head is not a sure indication someone should turn out to be a killer, some specialists say chromosomes, which carry hereditary characteristics are similar among the criminally insane and could indicate a person’s tendencies toward criminal behavior. This certainly gives relevance to the bad blood theory. In contrast, the bad seed theory could apply to Jeffery Dahmer who grew up in a loving family with caring parents who gave him a very stable childhood. He had no head injuries, or physiological imbalances. “I hate no one. I knew I was sick or evil or both.” Jeffery Dahmer said upon the day of his sentencing. Jeffery Dahmera chose to follow his impulses knowing they were evil rather than seek help. Which shows the great potential for evil and comes right back to free will and consciously choosing our fate.
Yet, we are still genetically predisposed to whatever physical characteristics or talents our grandfathers possessed, bound by our physiological make up, our culture, and the environment we live in. All of these elements play a role in who we will become.
Still morality and responsibility are instilled by the parents of a child. It is up to them to guide children through the stages of life, to build character and teach them to avoid following impulses that could potentially lead to destructive behaviors. At the same time we are born wonderfully unique and posses individual gifts and talents all our own.
Chance and circumstance can play a role in these discoveries. For instance, my younger nephew was having trouble in school and I wondered how such a bright boy could be failing a class. Upon my questions of his activities I discovered he had no real creative outlet with which to explore and grow. To make along story short, we discovered a great talent and as it turned out his natural gift as an artist was one of surprise not only for me but for him also. Through his drawings and paintings he was able to express himself freely and has since raised his grades. My point is, if he had never found that inborn talent or gift, what would have replaced that need for free expression and self worth? Possibly bad influences and negative behaviors would be created by trying to fill the void of an undiscovered talent.
Good and bad behaviors are created by our choice to do one thing or the other. In large and small these choices present themselves everyday. An angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other, depicts a universal subconscious element we are all familiar with. However, Discerning between the two is a learning process and what I like to call the school of hard knocks.
The pursuit of a life of good works can be fraught with obstacles and barriers and good people can be devastated by circumstances beyond their control. The challenge is to keep pushing forward through the turmoil and treachery never giving up hope for a better life. At the end of the day there is peace of mind in knowing we have done our best and not willfully hurt anyone. “Good works are links that form a chain of love (Mother Teresa of Calcutta). Now more than ever simple gestures of kindness go along way. A smile, a nod , a hand shake and a good word can set the tone for the day and lift the spirits of many through little effort.
From philosophy I have drawn many conclusions of human nature and its complexities, one conclusion expresses the spirit of contradiction and captures the essence of the search for truth in humanity. “As for me, all I know is that I know nothing” (Socrates) I love this quote because in it’s simplicity it is profoundly wise and humble. Perhaps it is not for us to judge the evil or good of others and know why the human spirit works the way that it does. But just to embrace the unknown and see our inconsistencies as beautiful and unique.
