Is a person born evil, or are evil and cruel intentions learned human behaviors?

1. 84

   K9keystrokesposted 13 years ago

   Is a person born evil, or are evil and cruel intentions learned human behaviors?

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2. 87

   kschangposted 13 years ago

   All behavior are acquired, though some individuals, who don't "feel" the societal constraints as much as others, but also possess the gift of "charm", may be able to wrest power and do more damage. Hitler would be one such example.

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3. 66

   maxoxam41posted 13 years ago

   Do we self-determine who we will become or environments shape us? I am still wondering...

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4. 59

   Druid Dudeposted 13 years ago

   Got kids? They are not inherently evil, nor are they inherently good...they also aren't blank chalkboards either. They will take things without asking, so we have to teach them to ask. They aren't stealing, and there is no bad intent. Good and evil are both human concepts which must br taught and learned.

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5. 61

   Stroudingposted 13 years ago

   I agree with Druid Dude to a degree, children are innocent is one thing I know for sure. If we personify, or project from our human condition then we will think that there is good and evil in nature. Good v's evil from a human perspective certainly exists - but nature/animals are driven my instincts or physics (eg. the magnetic field of the Earth) so 'decisions' are not being consciously made, instincts (natural selection) is what is driving nature. The real question is why are human capable of being good and evil. What is wrong with us?

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6. 0

   Will Apseposted 13 years ago

   You need to rephrase the question if you want a genuine answer.
   
   The idea of innate evil comes from a religious perspective. The idea of learned behavior is a behaviorist thing.
   
   There so many other approaches to understanding what people are all about.

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7. 59

   hillymillydeeposted 13 years ago

   None is born evil, evil things can be learned.
   
   Humans were created with freedom to choose whether to be good or to turn evil deeds.
   
   A person who belong to a good family and was trained to be good can become bad when he grows up. For example; someone who is greedy for money can lead him to be a thief.
   
   Someone who remains to be good had exercised goodness and resisted to do evil.

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8. 47

   InspiredEyes70posted 12 years ago

   People learn it. People aren't born like that. Unless its a medical condition where you get the same condition as your parents. People usually become crazy after what they see. Sometimes it could be caused by just watching tv. Theres too much violence thats given to the society. Stuff like that can really affect somebody even at a young age.

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