Is mankind iherently evil?

[akarunway 1]

I may be becoming more of a cynic in my old age. I think all men and women want to look out for #1. Fuck everbody else. The only creatures I trust anymore are animals. Man (or woman) seems, all they want is to fuck you outta whatever they can be it your money, your spouse or whatever. I give and give and give and all I do is get fucked over. Comments/thoughts? Should I quit giving and just become a recluse?

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

[Amazon 7]

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The only creatures I trust anymore are animals.

Even bears... or sharks???

How about wandering up to a pride of lions....

[Botellines 0]

A shark will not pretend to be your friend if he is hungry. And if he is not hungry or does not feel threaten, he will pretty much ignore you.

I don´t think mankind is inherently evil, just inherently selfish.

[speedy 0]

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A shark will not pretend to be your friend if he is hungry

No, but it will take a bite out of you only to find that you taste like shit and leave you alone to bleed to death.

Dave

Fallschirmsport Marl

[shropshire 0]

No dont be daft ...... now womanlind on the other hand, well that's a different question.




What?

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[Muenkel 0]

All human beings are born with an inclination to sin (evil or whatever you want to call it). The difference is the human race is the only species who can make choices and fight their natural inclinations. We have the freedom to commit evil acts, but we have the choice not to. It is up to us each and everyday to choose good over evil.

_________________________________________
Chris

[billvon 3,090]

Mankind is inherently evil; mankind is also inherently good. The battle between those two opposing inclinations has resulted in much of the drama of recorded history.

[misaltas 0]

All beings are born on a mission to survive and thrive. All natural decisions they make are directly or indirectly related to that motive.

Ohne Liebe sind wir nichts

[akarunway 1]

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The only creatures I trust anymore are animals.

Even bears... or sharks???

How about wandering up to a pride of lions....

That's why I carry BIG guns. On the flip side I just watched a show on Discovery Channel. A lioness took an abandonded baby gazzell (sp?) under her wing and nutured it. Ya never know

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

[JerryBaumchen 1,451]

Hi aka,

Since you asked, you might want to get a copy of this week's TIME magazine. The cover story is on 'What Makes Us Good/Evil.' I just got my copy so have not had time to read the article, yet.

JerryBaumchen

[Lucky... 0]

>>>>>>>I may be becoming more of a cynic in my old age.

You don't say.

[Lucky... 0]

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All human beings are born with an inclination to sin (evil or whatever you want to call it). The difference is the human race is the only species who can make choices and fight their natural inclinations. We have the freedom to commit evil acts, but we have the choice not to. It is up to us each and everyday to choose good over evil.

Oh here we go....Jesus, Jesus, fuck Jesus . Speciesism: Thinking your species is the best and only relevant species. Amazing at how it comes from the church, I guess that rationalizes the exploitation of billions of animals every year, makes some sleep better.

So my dog, when deciding shit and it's hot, cold rainy outside, she doesn't think that shitting inside would be more comfortable, but then would be in trouble? Wild animals make the choice of whether to attack for food, attack something that may injure you could end your life. I would say that insects, which are animals, decide more on respose than careful deliberation, but most more complex animals certainly make choices and fight natural inclinations. OTOH, humans don't do that enough much/most of the time. Everything doesn't have to be about how we're God's fucking children, science plays a huge part, sociology also has a huge influence, religion is just for those who are unwilling to believe in those kinds of elements.

[Lucky... 0]

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All beings are born on a mission to survive and thrive. All natural decisions they make are directly or indirectly related to that motive.

Right, more correctly:

All organisms are born on a mission to survive and reproduce. All natural decisions they make are directly or indirectly related to that motive. All organisms struggle to survive.

[Muenkel 0]

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All human beings are born with an inclination to sin (evil or whatever you want to call it). The difference is the human race is the only species who can make choices and fight their natural inclinations. We have the freedom to commit evil acts, but we have the choice not to. It is up to us each and everyday to choose good over evil.

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Oh here we go....Jesus, Jesus, fuck Jesus . Speciesism: Thinking your species is the best and only relevant species. Amazing at how it comes from the church, I guess that rationalizes the exploitation of billions of animals every year, makes some sleep better.

So my dog, when deciding shit and it's hot, cold rainy outside, she doesn't think that shitting inside would be more comfortable, but then would be in trouble? Wild animals make the choice of whether to attack for food, attack something that may injure you could end your life. I would say that insects, which are animals, decide more on respose than careful deliberation, but most more complex animals certainly make choices and fight natural inclinations. OTOH, humans don't do that enough much/most of the time. Everything doesn't have to be about how we're God's fucking children, science plays a huge part, sociology also has a huge influence, religion is just for those who are unwilling to believe in those kinds of elements.

Man, what nerve did I hit on you?

Akarunway asked for an opinion on a specific topic and I gave mine.

Nowhere in my reply do I mention Jesus, religion or church, however if you have a discussion on whether or not mankind is inherently evil; I think it is safe to assume some religious beliefs will come into it.

_________________________________________
Chris

[Lucky... 0]

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Quote

All human beings are born with an inclination to sin (evil or whatever you want to call it). The difference is the human race is the only species who can make choices and fight their natural inclinations. We have the freedom to commit evil acts, but we have the choice not to. It is up to us each and everyday to choose good over evil.

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Oh here we go....Jesus, Jesus, fuck Jesus . Speciesism: Thinking your species is the best and only relevant species. Amazing at how it comes from the church, I guess that rationalizes the exploitation of billions of animals every year, makes some sleep better.

So my dog, when deciding shit and it's hot, cold rainy outside, she doesn't think that shitting inside would be more comfortable, but then would be in trouble? Wild animals make the choice of whether to attack for food, attack something that may injure you could end your life. I would say that insects, which are animals, decide more on respose than careful deliberation, but most more complex animals certainly make choices and fight natural inclinations. OTOH, humans don't do that enough much/most of the time. Everything doesn't have to be about how we're God's fucking children, science plays a huge part, sociology also has a huge influence, religion is just for those who are unwilling to believe in those kinds of elements.

Man, what nerve did I hit on you?

Akarunway asked for an opinion on a specific topic and I gave mine.

Nowhere in my reply do I mention Jesus, religion or church, however if you have a discussion on whether or not mankind is inherently evil; I think it is safe to assume some religious beliefs will come into it.

Tell me then, do non-human animals have the same ability to make decisons? Oh apparently not per you:

"The difference is the human race is the only species who can make choices and fight their natural inclinations."

Hmmmm, I wonder where the non-human animals get their inability to decide? Why were they put on this earth? Who put them here? I think I've read enough of your posts to know the answer.

BTW, nice way to avoid every issue I posted.

[billvon 3,090]

>The difference is the human race is the only species who can make
>choices and fight their natural inclinations.

One thing we're learning is that it's not black and white; it's definitely shades of gray. Chimpanzees show compassion, and are willing to risk themselves to protect others. Gorillas demonstrate empathy. Vervet monkeys and dolphins exhibit altruism. Most higher animals regularly make decisions counter to their natural base inclinations for some higher purpose (protecting the pack, protecting young, pure curiosity.)

So while it's true that we have the most ability to make choices and fight our natural inclinations, other animals have that ability as well. We've just refined it more than any of them.

[Muenkel 0]

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All human beings are born with an inclination to sin (evil or whatever you want to call it). The difference is the human race is the only species who can make choices and fight their natural inclinations. We have the freedom to commit evil acts, but we have the choice not to. It is up to us each and everyday to choose good over evil.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh here we go....Jesus, Jesus, fuck Jesus . Speciesism: Thinking your species is the best and only relevant species. Amazing at how it comes from the church, I guess that rationalizes the exploitation of billions of animals every year, makes some sleep better.

So my dog, when deciding shit and it's hot, cold rainy outside, she doesn't think that shitting inside would be more comfortable, but then would be in trouble? Wild animals make the choice of whether to attack for food, attack something that may injure you could end your life. I would say that insects, which are animals, decide more on respose than careful deliberation, but most more complex animals certainly make choices and fight natural inclinations. OTOH, humans don't do that enough much/most of the time. Everything doesn't have to be about how we're God's fucking children, science plays a huge part, sociology also has a huge influence, religion is just for those who are unwilling to believe in those kinds of elements.

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Man, what nerve did I hit on you?

Akarunway asked for an opinion on a specific topic and I gave mine.

Nowhere in my reply do I mention Jesus, religion or church, however if you have a discussion on whether or not mankind is inherently evil; I think it is safe to assume some religious beliefs will come into it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Tell me then, do non-human animals have the same ability to make decisons? Oh apparently not per you:

"The difference is the human race is the only species who can make choices and fight their natural inclinations."

Hmmmm, I wonder where the non-human animals get their inability to decide? Why were they put on this earth? Who put them here? I think I've read enough of your posts to know the answer.

BTW, nice way to avoid every issue I posted.

Lucky, I simply replied to your reply. I didn't avoid any of your other posts. I read them.

Akarunway was asking a philosophical question, not necesarily religious. It was a question that presented itself to opinions.

Do I believe that humans are the only species with souls? Yes. I've never kept that a secret. Do I believe that humans are the highest form of life? Yes. Since you 'already know the answer' to your other questions, I'm not going to bother to answer them.

I don't understand the anger my simple response incited in you.

Like I said, this is a philosophical question that is going to receive many different opinions. I gave mine as did several others.

I don't want to make you angry, so do yourself a favor and just skip over my posts. You can read about chimpanzees from BillVon. I'm not going to stop stating what I believe to make you or anyone else happy.

_________________________________________
Chris

[maadmax 0]

How is evil recognized? There are many instances were an act is considered evil by one and good by another.

[Royd 0]

All human beings are born with an inclination to sin (evil or whatever you want to call it). The difference is the human race is the only species who can make choices and fight their natural inclinations. We have the freedom to commit evil acts, but we have the choice not to. It is up to us each and everyday to choose good over evil.

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Oh here we go....Jesus, Jesus, fuck Jesus . Speciesism: Thinking your species is the best and only relevant species

I don't know about evil, but I will put in a vote for nasty and contemptable.

[Lindsey 0]

People are evil....some of 'em. Sometimes it's hard to come to terms with men's brutish and hateful ways. I understand being fucked over...lol, literally. It hurts to know that there are people of such inherent depravity.

People are good...more of 'em. Sometimes it's hard to trust the compassion of truly good people when you've been beaten down and marred by another. I think that finding a way to trust the goodness in some people is worth the risk you take by trusting.

There are a whole bunch of fucks who fall somewhere in the middle. They'll screw ya' over if it benefits them, but they're not likely to rise up with the evil of Lucifer. Those are the ones that, if ya' trust 'em once and you find that they're out for their own best interests, you be damned....hell, then leave 'em the fuck alone. Go on about your day. Be grateful for the few people who've proven themselves to be good, and be ready to help them out in return. Keep a good mental list of who these folks are, and never, NEVER let one of them down.

Nope. I don't think you should become a recluse. It would be easy, but boring.

edited to add: lol...I know this because it is TRUE. :)

--
A conservative is just a liberal who's been mugged. A liberal is just a conservative who's been to jail

[kelpdiver 2]

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A shark will not pretend to be your friend if he is hungry

No, but it will take a bite out of you only to find that you taste like shit and leave you alone to bleed to death.

The shark leaves you alone whether you tasted good or not - much safer to eat dead flesh than one that can hurt his eyes. (talking about the white shark attack method of shock and awe and wait)

Fortunately for us, that allows quite a few attack victims to be rescued, and as a result the survival rate is pretty good - ~85% in California against great whites.

---
As said, people are self interested. That's not really evil, by itself. Do onto others as you would to yourself can be in the best interest as there is usually a stronger person somewhere around, so kicking off a chain of aggression works out best for only a few people. Everyone else loses. Best not to play that game.

[akarunway 1]

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How is evil recognized? There are many instances were an act is considered evil by one and good by another.

Good answer. That's why I don't recognize any man written law. I go by my own code of ethics. And if I get throw in jail so be it.

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

[akarunway 1]

Quote

People are evil....some of 'em. Sometimes it's hard to come to terms with men's brutish and hateful ways. I understand being fucked over...lol, literally. It hurts to know that there are people of such inherent depravity.

People are good...more of 'em. Sometimes it's hard to trust the compassion of truly good people when you've been beaten down and marred by another. I think that finding a way to trust the goodness in some people is worth the risk you take by trusting.

There are a whole bunch of fucks who fall somewhere in the middle. They'll screw ya' over if it benefits them, but they're not likely to rise up with the evil of Lucifer. Those are the ones that, if ya' trust 'em once and you find that they're out for their own best interests, you be damned....hell, then leave 'em the fuck alone. Go on about your day. Be grateful for the few people who've proven themselves to be good, and be ready to help them out in return. Keep a good mental list of who these folks are, and never, NEVER let one of them down.

Nope. I don't think you should become a recluse. It would be easy, but boring.

edited to add: lol...I know this because it is TRUE. :)

Well. I'm 50 yrs. old and I can count my friends w/ ONE finger. And it's not the middle one. TRUE FRIEND He hasn't called me lately tho. Have to bitch slap him when I get back to Florida.

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

[JackC 0]

Not necessarily evil, but definately inherently asshole.

[Lucky... 0]

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All human beings are born with an inclination to sin (evil or whatever you want to call it). The difference is the human race is the only species who can make choices and fight their natural inclinations. We have the freedom to commit evil acts, but we have the choice not to. It is up to us each and everyday to choose good over evil.

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Oh here we go....Jesus, Jesus, fuck Jesus . Speciesism: Thinking your species is the best and only relevant species

I don't know about evil, but I will put in a vote for nasty and contemptable.

I'll see that and raise you a demented and hateful.