Good And Evil: The Definitions Of Good Vs. Evil

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Historically people from various societies and cultures have struggled to define, characterize, and set the parameters of good and evil. Albert Einstein said, “God did not create evil. Just as darkness is the absence of light, evil is the absence of God.” (Goodreads.com) A lot of people believe that evil is not inherent; it is nurtured. What if we are all really born evil and we have to be taught to be good? From early childhood, people are taught to adhere to guidelines that identify good or bad behavior. Unfortunately, no amount of guidance and moral teaching can prevent people from abusing power and proliferating evil deeds in a community. Good judgment can easily become overcome by temptation. The lack of empathy also allows people to do despicable things to others. Nonetheless, the definition of evil is dependent on what a community perceives is good. The topic of good versus evil has been examined extensively in history books, literature and world religions.
The fascination of how “evil” can dehumanize, harm and destroy innocent people is one that is explored throughout written history. A clear example of evil documented in history is Madame Delphiene LaLaurie; her notoriety comes from the fact she mutilated

Shaune 2 and tortured her slaves to death in the mid 1800’s in New Orleans. In the 19th century, the mistreatment of slaves was considered illegal and highly frowned upon. The Madame’s hometown began to turn against her when her neighbor witnessed her chasing a slave girl with a leather whip; the girl jumped to her death to avoid more torture. Madame LaLaurie was arrested and her slaves were removed from her. What the townspeople did not know was the slaves were in turn sold to her family members; she purchased them ...

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...ple are generally not born evil, but evil festers from situations and emotional upbringing they endure. The view of evil in the world has become warped because of the way society perceives it. Some see things as evil from lack of understanding; thus they condemn and fear things they don’t comprehend. The notion of good and evil is not always black and white; we constantly cross these lines set in place by cultures, religions, and communities. The definition of good and evil is based on perceptions that may be as skewed and biased as those who define them. Regardless of their origins, the numerous definitions of good require the notion of evil. The way society perceives good and evil continues to evolve because old biases and fears are challenged. Nonetheless, persons and communities need the concept of good and evil in order to create laws and social guidelines.

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