The Complexities of Desiring Evil

The Complexities of Desiring Evil

Delving into the intricate world of human psychology, it's important to understand that wanting to be evil and actually being evil are two fundamentally different concepts. Alan Watts, with his law that you don't always get what you want, elucidates this core truth. The distinction between a desire and a deed cannot be overstated. Simply fantasizing about being evil can serve as a tool to cope with boredom or dissatisfaction; however, it doesn't necessarily translate into action.

Mental Health and Desiring Evil

When individuals truly exhibit a desire to be evil, this can signal deeper issues, often involving mental health. For example, someone who wishes to harm others may be grappling with severe psychological disorders. These individuals might feel an unnatural drive to reduce others to a lower status, often under the guise of friendship. This behavior reveals a complex combination of jealousy, disrespect, and a profound lack of empathy.

It's crucial to recognize that wanting to be good does not inherently make someone evil. A thought is just that - a thought. Action, however, carries the weight of reality. If two individuals fancy each other and then engage in a romantic relationship, this is an action born from desire but does not necessarily equate to malicious intent.

Moral Ambiguity and the Nature of Human Behavior

Morality can be a complex and often ambiguous gray area. People are inherently complex, and their behaviors can be situational. Feeling the desire to be evil, especially in response to perceived evil, is a natural, albeit unhealthy, emotional response. This desire usually emerges during moments of frustration or when one has been wronged. Such feelings do not make us inherently evil; rather, they highlight the fragility of our emotional and psychological states.

Evil in the World

The notion that evil might be a default human state is a provocative one. If you look around, the evidence of human evil is abundant. News reports, social media, and even one's immediate environment can provide ample examples of selfish, disrespectful, and harmful actions. Preschool environments, in particular, can serve as a microcosm of the darker aspects of human nature, where selfishness and inconsideration can be starkly apparent.

While being human inherently involves self-interest and a lack of empathy, it's important to recognize that actions, not just desires, define individuals. Evil, in its purest form, is not a character trait but a series of actions. True love, on the other hand, is a rare and precious commodity indeed, often overshadowed by the more common displays of selfishness.

Conclusion

Desiring to be evil may be a fleeting thought or response to pain, but it doesn't equate to actual evil behavior. Complex issues such as mental health can underpin this desire, making it crucial to address these underlying factors. Understanding the distinction between thought and action is essential for navigating the moral landscape of human behavior.