Reflection on the Articles on Are Humans Good or Evil - Essay Example

An interesting question that might arise is; why do we have to spend so much time teaching children how to behave if humans are naturally good? Well, that sounds perplexing but since their minds are blank, we have to spend much time teaching them socially tolerable manners and preventing them from adopting the unacceptable ways of the world.

What’s more, our moral philosophies and actions are a product of our social nature. However, there are elementary rules of prudence and justice that explicates and defines how individuals should act for the survival of a peaceful society. I believe that is why we have governments that have enabled society to flourish. In the absence of governments, society would spiral into outright pandemonium and confusion would be the order of the day. Factually, the government makes and enforces laws since we believe that human beings are evil and are likely to act unbecomingly if left to exist in an anarchy state, where laws do not exist.

While it is true that we are evil, I disagree with the debaters who perceive humanity as wholly evil. I blame it on the media that overemphasize the evil part while ignoring the majority of good things that take place daily, as though it is promoting evil over good. A cursory glance at news headlines makes us develop a pessimistic attitude toward humanity. The ceaseless reports of bigots, assassins, thieves, bullies, bombers, and racists make any rational individual lose hope of ever living in a judicious society where good is what guides individuals’ actions.

Regrettably, we are biologically susceptible to evil conduct, and we must, therefore, strive to act good despite the prevailing conditions. The above elucidation indicates that as complex species, we behave morally and immorally as our environment commands. However, my comprehension of the arguments presented in the articles makes me derive the conclusion that while we are good and evil, our good or moral aspects dominate and we should not be pessimistic to the extent of losing hope in the world.

However, the transformation of society starts with the transformation of every individual to ensure that they act good, for their benefit and that of society.