Good versus Evil: Pros and Cons for Modern Humans

“Good versus Evil” is an article designed to assist you in enhancing your self-awareness. It aims to clarify the concepts of good and evil in a contemporary world where truth often appears relative. Despite varying definitions, there seems to be a universal human instinct for discerning right from wrong. With this in mind, let us delve further into the subject.

First, What Is Good, And Why Is It Important?

The notion that what is “good” for one person may be “bad” or even “evil” for another has its limitations. Firstly, there is a universal human understanding of right and wrong. For instance, it is universally unacceptable for one person to urinate on another. While this example may seem simplistic, it serves to illustrate the point. The concept of good versus evil is essentially a comparison of life’s dualities.

Secondly, if you express your dislike for something and I proceed to do it anyway, it implies that I am acting intentionally. Such behavior is deemed wrong because it disregards your expressed preferences.

For instance, if you dislike cigarette smoking for personal reasons and have informed me of this, yet I persist in smoking around you, then my actions are intentional. Conversely, if you haven’t communicated your aversion to it, I might assume it’s acceptable to smoke in your presence. This scenario illustrates a basic concept of right and wrong.

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From the simple examples provided, it is evident that humans inherently understand the concepts of good and evil, right and wrong. Regardless of tribal or cultural background, there is no excuse for ignorance of these moral distinctions.

Nevertheless, it is also true that individuals may engage in actions that others might view as negative, or even evil, within their cultural context. For instance, the method I use to prepare my food could eventually lead you to dislike it. While the ingredients remain the same, the preparation techniques can vary significantly.

In Uganda or Equatoria, the preparation of okras differs from our methods in the Upper Nile or the northern parts of South Sudan. We crush them into a paste, which they do not. Our foods may seem odd or unrecognizable as food to Ugandans or Equatorians. You probably had many thoughts about good versus evil, right?

The way we eat also varies greatly, influenced by the upbringing in our respective communities and cultures. Our speech, gait, and even our posture may differ. While others might view our actions negatively, we pride ourselves on being the best. We might judge others’ actions as wrong or evil, even when they are not, but this does not negate the existence of good and evil.

Despite the varied definitions of good and evil, there are universal aspects to each. Universal rights and wrongs exist, as do good and bad things that affect every human being. This means that people worldwide can recognize something as bad, good, evil, wrong, or right, even if they don’t share common beliefs or traditions.

Humans possess this understanding simply because they are human. They have an innate sense of what is wrong, correct, right, evil, and good. They don’t need to be religious or hold any particular beliefs to discern right from wrong. They inherently know because they are human. Despite minor differences, there is common ground where humans universally concur on many aspects.

Pros of the good

• Most if not all people prefer good over evil
• It’s the most wanted commodity in the world
• It’s the positive side of things
• It gives us hope and purpose in life

Cons of the good

• Different people see it differently
• Not what should always is
• Positive may be the unwanted in some situations
• Hope and purpose may just be mere wishes

Second, What Is Evil, And Why Is It Important?

On the contrary, evil, as previously described, is that which causes harm or pain to any human or animal. If my actions cause you pain, then they are evil, harmful, or wrong. Evil stands in direct opposition to good. As mentioned before, ignorance of what constitutes evil versus good is inexcusable, given that humans naturally possess the ability to discern between the two.

While personal preferences do exist, there are overt and undeniable offenses that must be eschewed to ensure peaceful and harmonious coexistence among humans. However, it is important to remember that not all humans are, or are expected to be, equally virtuous.

Some believe that certain individuals are inherently evil and take pleasure in this nature. They argue that human nature is fundamental and precedes our thoughts, words, actions, and character traits. Nonetheless, this inherent nature is not a justification for perpetually committing evil acts. Those who do evil face repercussions, not only potentially in the afterlife but also in the present world.

To demonstrate that humans can discern good from evil, one might consider the consequences of committing an evil act. The existence of laws and regulations is a testament to society’s recognition of evil. The prevalence of wrongdoing has led to the establishment of stringent laws, although those in positions of power may manipulate these laws for personal gain.

Evil inflicts harm not only physically but also mentally and spiritually. The mind, spirit, soul, and heart, in my belief, all refer to the same immaterial essence of every human or animal. Indeed, I believe animals possess souls or spirits, as my Bible does not state otherwise.

It has been repeatedly stated that every human is aware of what causes pain. They understand the concepts of good and evil, right and wrong. They are familiar with the pain associated with harm, yet they continue to hurt others or are hurt by others, both intentionally and unintentionally.

Good and evil are two facets of the same entity, life. Life cannot exist without these dualities: good and evil, negative and positive, right and wrong. In this world, opposites coexist, seemingly opposing yet contributing to the betterment of each other or the collective. Consider this: how can we gauge the virtue of something without evil to contrast it? How can we assess the luminosity of light without the presence of darkness?

Evil exists, whether we accept it or not. It has always been, is now, and will persist. Regardless of our beliefs, sacred or secular, we are bound to encounter both good and evil in the present. As long as we are alive, we must navigate life as it presents itself, embracing both its benevolent and malevolent aspects. Life is not singular in nature; it is indeed a coin with two distinct sides.

Indeed, this may not sit well with the devout, but it is a reality, not a tale. It’s not merely my belief or fantasy; it’s the truth we face. Hearing bad news is never pleasant, but it’s an inevitable part of life. You might have recently learned of something shocking happening to someone close to you, and that’s exactly what I’m addressing.

What occurs to them today will occur to us tomorrow. Such is the nature of life, and we must come to terms with it. Life is beyond our control, despite our attempts to influence it. Even with our advanced scientific understanding, we still fall short in many respects. The essence of life eludes us. No amount of knowledge allows us to preserve or prevent life from fading away.

Could we possibly revive life with our scientific advancements in the distant future? That would be a remarkable achievement. I hope that someone might revive me a million years from now, so I can revisit these words and chuckle with delight. Whether this will happen remains to be seen.

Pros of the evil

• It happens regardless of people’s views
• It’s just part of God’s plan
• It was, it is, and it will be here
• We hate it but we find ourselves doing it all the time

Cons of the evil

• It’s always not preferable
• Most people don’t go for it
• It sees hope as a mere wish
• It’s the negative side of things

Third, You Have a Personal Choice

As you may have realized, there is always a place for you in my writings. This place belongs to you. It’s where you have the power to decide. You select what to embrace and what to reject. You choose what to carry with you and what to leave behind on these pages, be they digital or printed.

Indeed, good and evil exist, and all humans are aware of both aspects of life. People become angry because they sense an injustice. No one feels annoyance without cause, right? Of course, unless one is unwell, famished, or suffering mentally, which are valid reasons for anger, wouldn’t you say?

Do you believe that evil is both a universal and a personal concept? Do you think the same applies to good? Would you concur that what may be beneficial for one person could be harmful to another? Are you aware that we can reach a consensus on whether something is good or evil based on certain standards?

Finally, My Advice

Balance is always necessary, wouldn’t you agree? For instance, if someone thinks my diet is unhealthy, there’s no need for debate, as they are entitled to their opinion. What’s suitable for me may not be for you or others.

Both personal and universal concepts of good and evil exist. However, if you disagree, I won’t judge you based on my views. You are a complete individual with your own rights, just as I am an individual with my own beliefs and mistakes.

The best way to handle conflict, in my opinion, is to prevent it. Indeed, prevention is better than cure, which is true for conflicts as well. To prevent disputes, we must find balance and middle ground, making compromises for the collective good.

This doesn’t imply that everyone should think alike. I understand that humans are not and will never be identical in their thinking. Not everyone is prepared to abandon what they consider the only correct path for unity and peace. Some may continue to fight for their own realms. However, I believe balance is always necessary. After all, excess in anything can be detrimental, right? That’s my belief.

Good and evil exist in our world, whether we accept it or not. Finding a balance between them is a form of wisdom. It leads to righteous living among others. It fosters peace and harmony. It brings joy and happiness. It results in a life well-lived.

I hope this discourse on good versus evil has been enlightening for you. If it has, please share your thoughts below. If not, I welcome your feedback. For further inquiries, feel free to reach out at info@johnshalom.com.

FURTHER READINGS

• Good vs Evil—Medium
• The Real Meaning of Good and Evil—Psychology Today