Tag Archives: evil

Being Good

It is good to have the ability to empathize with other people, to feel compassion for them, and to put their needs before your own, if necessary, sacrificing your own well-being for the sake of others.

Being bad usually is usually associated with disastrous or detrimental effects,  characterized by discomfort, inconvenience,  or uneasiness.  Bad often is associated with annoyance or disagreeable and unpleasant circumstances.

However, I believe it is good to be bad sometimes or at least inevitable.  Figure that one out.

Keep it Real

It is unlikely someone would be good all the time.  In fact, as evidenced by the TV show “Breaking Bad” given the proper motivation even a good person might explore bad behavior.

There is a real and distinct difference between bad behavior and being profoundly immoral and wicked (i.e., evil).   Being bad can morph into evil if we are not careful.

In reality, setting aside truly evil people, most of us balance bad and good every day.  This can form a moral dilemma for us, do we do what is right (good) or what makes sense (e.g. cook amphetamine to get money to support our spouse when we die).

Choosing Wisely

When we bend or even break our personal values by behaving in ways that appear or could be perceived as contrary to our normal standard, it is critical our decision is well thought out with motivation being carefully considered.

The choice to be bad for a reason needs to be tempered by the realization that moving into the realm of evil (as the main character of Breaking Bad did) could have some pretty dire consequences and we should be on guard to avoid going beyond bad and becoming evil.

Turn Darkness into Light

One definition of darkness is wickedness or evil.  In this case, turning darkness into the light means much more than just turning on a flashlight to remedy the absence of light (or some other means of illumination).

One approach to overcoming wickedness or evil is to expose it.  When all can clearly see the intent and impacts of dark behavior there is a chance to counter it.

Shining the Light

Injustice, flaunting societal norms, seeking not only to achieve pleasure for yourself but without regard to the impact on others is considered amoral.  Proactively acting in a way others may ultimately find unpleasant is just wicked.

Evil behavior is not always readily apparent, often not until it is too late.  Unscrupulous practices are often hidden from view (kept in the darkness) and the damage has long occurred by the time the evil is identified.

Fear

Fear can be a motivating factor for inaction.  We see and hear the evil but are too afraid to speak of it.  Shining a light, that exposes wickedness to scrutiny can sometimes backfire on us.

You can become a target of the evil-doer.   Their personal and earned power can make it difficult to challenge and although you feel the moral imperative, the negative consequences may be too great and you remain silent.

For the Greater Good

Tolerating evil practices may be okay for you personally.  Your awareness can enable you to dodge the bullet.  What about the potential suffering of others.

Consider the greater good.  Take action, join together to defeat the evil.  It is for everyone.