Good vs. Evil
BY PRANAV AKSHATH '24
Is there a definite line between good and evil? From racist laws to terrorist attacks, our world is filled with malicious people and events, but it’s important to remember that evil is not inherent human nature. Still, we often harshly judge others by what we think they are, rather than what their actions truly show.
While many argue that childhood largely influences a person's good or evil qualities, in reality, personal choices more precisely define one’s reputation. In the popular book series Harry Potter, for example, Harry and Voldemort differ widely in their actions despite having similar upbringings. Even though Harry was abused by his relatives, the Dursleys, he becomes the hero of the Wizarding World. Harry’s traumatic childhood becomes his motivation to defeat Voldemort, the epitome of evil. Conversely, Voldemort grew up in a non-wizard orphanage after his father abandoned him. As an adult, he chooses to focus on his lackluster upbringing, wreaking harm and destruction on others. While the two characters' upbringings are virtually identical, our perception of their moral goodness differs so greatly because of their actions.
Along with our views on good and evil, our biases can also subconsciously influence our interpretations of events. We form our biases based on our environment, from the people we admire to the information we read on the internet. We often don’t question our own biases, choosing instead to judge others’ opinions. If we took the time to understand alternative perspectives, we would learn that each person has their own justifications. More importantly, we must remind ourselves that actions are good or evil, not the people themselves.
Sometimes, though, actions can be misunderstood. As Mark Twain states, “Half of the results of a good intention are evil; half the results of an evil intention are good.” Dueling interpretations are prevalent throughout Trump’s presidency. In particular, Trump’s wall, designed to stop illegal immigrants from Mexico and Central America, sparked controversy across the country. Many believed that instead of turning away immigrants, the government should help them. Indeed, most illegal immigrants flee their countries because of widespread poverty and corrupt governments. Trump’s supporters, however, wish to prioritize American citizens, and believe that foreign countries should take responsibility for their citizens. Because we solely see the actions and can only infer underlying intentions, seemingly straightforward decisions, like building a wall, can incite so much controversy.
In conclusion, many factors influence our perception of good and evil. We are a blank slate when we are born, and as we grow, our surroundings influence our views on the world. As a result, each individual's perception of good and evil varies: what is good to one person is evil to another. Ultimately, there is no definite line between what we consider good and what we consider evil. And in order to balance the two, we must reflect on our own definitions and consider that there is no objective definition of “good” or “evil.”
While many argue that childhood largely influences a person's good or evil qualities, in reality, personal choices more precisely define one’s reputation. In the popular book series Harry Potter, for example, Harry and Voldemort differ widely in their actions despite having similar upbringings. Even though Harry was abused by his relatives, the Dursleys, he becomes the hero of the Wizarding World. Harry’s traumatic childhood becomes his motivation to defeat Voldemort, the epitome of evil. Conversely, Voldemort grew up in a non-wizard orphanage after his father abandoned him. As an adult, he chooses to focus on his lackluster upbringing, wreaking harm and destruction on others. While the two characters' upbringings are virtually identical, our perception of their moral goodness differs so greatly because of their actions.
Along with our views on good and evil, our biases can also subconsciously influence our interpretations of events. We form our biases based on our environment, from the people we admire to the information we read on the internet. We often don’t question our own biases, choosing instead to judge others’ opinions. If we took the time to understand alternative perspectives, we would learn that each person has their own justifications. More importantly, we must remind ourselves that actions are good or evil, not the people themselves.
Sometimes, though, actions can be misunderstood. As Mark Twain states, “Half of the results of a good intention are evil; half the results of an evil intention are good.” Dueling interpretations are prevalent throughout Trump’s presidency. In particular, Trump’s wall, designed to stop illegal immigrants from Mexico and Central America, sparked controversy across the country. Many believed that instead of turning away immigrants, the government should help them. Indeed, most illegal immigrants flee their countries because of widespread poverty and corrupt governments. Trump’s supporters, however, wish to prioritize American citizens, and believe that foreign countries should take responsibility for their citizens. Because we solely see the actions and can only infer underlying intentions, seemingly straightforward decisions, like building a wall, can incite so much controversy.
In conclusion, many factors influence our perception of good and evil. We are a blank slate when we are born, and as we grow, our surroundings influence our views on the world. As a result, each individual's perception of good and evil varies: what is good to one person is evil to another. Ultimately, there is no definite line between what we consider good and what we consider evil. And in order to balance the two, we must reflect on our own definitions and consider that there is no objective definition of “good” or “evil.”
