Can a person be born 'bad'?

1. 68

   Rebecca2904posted 11 years ago

   Can a person be born 'bad'?
   
   I was just thinking of the book/film 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' and I was just wondering what your thoughts on nature vs. nurture were. Is it possible for a person to be born 'bad', or must something happen to them in their lives (e.g. poor parenting, a traumatic event) before a person could commit a horrible crime?

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2. 77

   carozyposted 11 years ago

   I don't think so.  Babies are so innocent.

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3. 85

   BraidedZeroposted 11 years ago

   It's psychologically plausible since everyone is born with their own mental make-up and that is different in every person. Some children do seem a little more mischievous than other children, or maybe a little more sheltered or passive than others. I believe some can be born with more of an ability to be ultimately "bad" but that it is largely based on their atmosphere. You could have the ability when you're born but have it mentally bread out of you through your upbringing. And of course the reverse could happen as well.

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4. 62

   mintinfoposted 11 years ago

   Not born bad but born hormone deficient which may result in a higher instance of deviant behavior.

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5. 71

   lone77starposted 11 years ago

   Yes, a person can be born bad, but they can change, if they desire. Nurture can help, sometimes.
   
   God is said to have loved Jacob and hated Esau. Why? Karma and reincarnation. Even though Esau was born first by a few seconds, Jacob was destined to gain the birthright from their father.
   
   When the disciples of the Nazarene asked about a man born blind sitting at one of the gates of Jerusalem seeking alms, their question included the implication of reincarnation and karma. Was he blind because of something he did? But how can someone deserve to be born blind unless they had lived before and committed some crime.
   
   The best thing the person born bad can do is be grateful for every seemingly undeserved misfortune that could perpetuate their resentment of the world around them. With such gratitude, they release the burdens of the past. This "turning the other cheek" helps them rise above the dichotomies and mechanics of this world.
   
   In a very real sense, the truth will set you free.

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6. 86

   midget38posted 11 years ago

   I love this question! We're not born bad or good....all of us have both elements within, and it's how we react to events, especially the negative ones, that shape our lives. The more negative these reactions are, the more negative or "bad" the person turns out to be...I'm more for nurture, I guess!

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7. 56

   dreamdamodarposted 11 years ago

   In my humble opinion, only circumstances make a person bad.

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