# When did you first learn that you are an evil person? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 4, 2017, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087 "2017-06-04T04:54:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/21 "2017-06-04T11:37:04Z")
> [@steatopygia](#): > > I can say with a fair degree of certainty that I have never purposely done an evil thing in my life. Why would you? Usually revenge but entertainment ranks up there too among other things. Really, not one thing in your whole life? I am a generally law-abiding person but sometimes the fear of punishment is the only thing stopping me from doing something most people would regard, let’s call it, less than optimal for society. That is not a daily occurrence but I would be lying if I claimed it never comes up. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/22 "2017-06-04T11:45:53Z")
Yeah, I can’t really come up with an aspect of my personality that I would call malevolent. Can I improve in various ways? Absolutely. I should do more for charity, for example. I’m a procrastinator, too, and I also need to do better in the frustration department. But all that’s a long way from inflicting harm on others. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/23 "2017-06-04T12:06:53Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > They say that Hitler and Al Capone would claim that they were decent people. That is complete bullshit. Most people that are truly evil know it and that is why they do it. > > The thing is, everyone is evil - you just have to quibble about the details. Otherwise, you would be new Messiah and that doesn’t happen very often. > > The first time I was aware that I could be evil is when my younger brother learned to walk for the first time. I pushed him down every chance that I got because I didn’t like him and still don’t. I would like to say that I protected him in general but that only happened once when someone that I hated even more threatened him. We beat the shit out of the threat so problem solved. > > Why do most people think they are sin free (and I don’t even mean that in the Christian sense)? The vast majority of people are deeply flawed and abusive at some level with deep skeletons in their closet. Why do most people pretend otherwise? > > Most people are putting on pretensions at some level. There are very few Jesus characters walking around in public. To me, this is a less-clear way to say “Humans are frail.” If we get old enough to procreate, we succeed. Beyond that, all bets are off. Realizing that I have initial impulses that are jerkish, bad, evil, creepy, etc, is part of realizing I am Human. Thinking before I speak or act, and walking past those initial frail impulses more often than I would otherwise is what it means to live an examined life. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/24 "2017-06-04T12:33:15Z")
When I matured and reflected on some things I had done or said to people who didn’t deserve it. I can remember vividly one day, when events occurred in quick succession. 1. I was in a casual conversation in which Soandsos name was mentioned, and somebody said “Soandso is an asshole”. 2. I thought to myself “You just told me more about yourself than about Soandso”. 3. I thought “Wait a minute, I’ve said things like that, too”. I was an evil person. 4. I resolved to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and not be judgmental. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/25 "2017-06-04T13:09:00Z")
I have an unfortunate tendency to not stay in touch with people I know well after I’ve moved away from a certain area. Not sure if that’s truly evil or not, but it has certainly seriously pissed some people off and they don’t hesitate to mention it. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/26 "2017-06-04T13:11:54Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Yeah, I can’t really come up with an aspect of my personality that I would call malevolent. Can I improve in various ways? Absolutely. I should do more for charity, for example. I’m a procrastinator, too, and I also need to do better in the frustration department. But all that’s a long way from inflicting harm on others. > [@WordMan](#): > > To me, this is a less-clear way to say “Humans are frail.” If we get old enough to procreate, we succeed. Beyond that, all bets are off. > > Realizing that I have initial impulses that are jerkish, bad, evil, creepy, etc, is part of realizing I am Human. Thinking before I speak or act, and walking past those initial frail impulses more often than I would otherwise is what it means to live an examined life. These. We’re all a mix. It’s better to be born a better mix. It’s better to be raised to want to work your mix in the good direction, not the evil direction. As a grown up it’s better to actually work your mix in the good direction. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/27 "2017-06-04T13:14:38Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > The first time I was aware that I could be evil is when my younger brother learned to walk for the first time. I pushed him down every chance that I got because I didn’t like him and still don’t. I would like to say that I protected him in general but that only happened once when someone that I hated even more threatened him. We beat the shit out of the threat so problem solved. > > Why do most people think they are sin free (and I don’t even mean that in the Christian sense)? The vast majority of people are deeply flawed and abusive at some level with deep skeletons in their closet. Why do most people pretend otherwise? > > Most people are putting on pretensions at some level. Wrong. That’s not evil. That’s some weird fetish about being a badass, when really, like so many others, sometimes you’re just an asshole. _…But you know evil is an exact science Being carefully correctly wrong…_ i.e.: > [@Ranchoth](#): > > At least around the time I started building\* nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons out of spite. And then realized after awhile that I _liked_ it, and found the subject technically and historically fascinating. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/28 "2017-06-04T13:48:16Z")
History has shown us that humans are, by nature, predatory, venal and grasping. It’s only societal norms that keep us in check and make us believe that we have even a veneer of civility. When those norms break down, or we are given license to act out, really bad things happen very quickly. The premise that we are ‘evil’ by nature is correct in the parameters given by the OP. But really, we are just true to our nature as humans, living under self-imposed restrictions that barely hold up under duress. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/29 "2017-06-04T13:55:56Z")
To me, an evil person is someone who does shitty things for no good or understandable reason. They are fucked-up in the head. A person who kills his abusive parents isn’t evil. But a person who kills his parents just for kicks is fucked-up in the head. I have entertained thoughts that I’m evil before. I have been emotionally detached from other people for as long as I can remember. What this means is that it really takes a lot for me to connect with someone. It is also easy for me abandon people the moment they do anything that works my nerves. I have little sympathy for people who lack this ability and then complain about how so-and-so is driving them nuts. So sometimes I feel evil. I certainly don’t fit the profile of a loving person. But I don’t evil is the best descriptor. “Emotionally detached”, yes. “Cold and aloof”, yes. “Robot from outerspace”, perhaps. But evil? I know I’ve probably hurt people with my lack of emotional reciprocation, but I don’t think this means I’m evil since I’m not intending to hurt anyone. The only time I say or do things intending to hurt someone is when I get angry. And this doesn’t happen a whole lot since I tend to have only superficial interactions with people. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/30 "2017-06-04T13:56:21Z")
History also shows that humans are compassionate, generous, and kind. Especially to people we know personally. Most people have both good and bad tendencies. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/31 "2017-06-04T15:03:30Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > I’m not an evil person, I’m a bad person. There’s a difference. > > That difference is intent. Similarly, I have to keep reminding folks that I’m not an alcoholic, I’m a drunk. There is a difference, people!! ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/32 "2017-06-04T16:25:16Z")
Mm, a few minutes ago, when somebody informed me that doing “something bad in your life” makes you evil. I had no idea. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/33 "2017-06-04T16:56:36Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > History also shows that humans are compassionate, generous, and kind. Especially to people we know personally. > > Most people have both good and bad tendencies. The old “nature vs nurture” discussion, in essence. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/34 "2017-06-04T17:04:36Z")
I think there are two types of evil, those who enjoy hurting others and those who are ruthless and simply don’t care as long as their needs are met. People in power would often fit this description. ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/35 "2017-06-04T17:15:14Z")
I guess it was sometime in the run up to the election. I thought I was a hard-working, conservative old guy who pays his taxes, obeys the law, and was a faithful father who raised successful, self-supporting kids to adulthood. But, to half the country I’m apparently a subhuman, knuckle-dragging, misogynist, racist, islamophobic, world-destroying baby boomer who they wish would hurry up and die. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/36 "2017-06-04T17:15:45Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > “Evil” is a meaningless descriptor. Well, no. e·vil ˈēvəl/Submit adjective 1. **profoundly immoral and malevolent.** “his evil deeds” synonyms: wicked, bad, wrong, immoral, sinful, foul, vile, dishonorable, corrupt, iniquitous, depraved, reprobate, villainous, nefarious, vicious, malicious; More noun 1. **profound immorality, wickedness, and depravity, especially when regarded as a supernatural force.** ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/37 "2017-06-04T17:37:35Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > Usually revenge but entertainment ranks up there too among other things. Really, not one thing in your whole life? I am a generally law-abiding person but sometimes the fear of punishment is the only thing stopping me from doing something most people would regard, let’s call it, less than optimal for society. That is not a daily occurrence but I would be lying if I claimed it never comes up. I think your problem is judging people by your own standards. I was taught, from a very young age, that I am evil just by virtue of my existence. This is standard Christian Fundamentalist ideology. Teaching toddlers that they are evil is itself evil. It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s that I was able to see the inherent untruth of what I’d been taught. I am not evil. I am a good person doing my best to live my life without hurting others. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/38 "2017-06-04T17:41:44Z")
> [@pullin](#): > > But, to half the country I’m apparently a subhuman, knuckle-dragging, misogynist, racist, islamophobic, world-destroying baby boomer who they wish would hurry up and die. Are you ‘misogynist, racist, islamophobic’? Because as I recall, it was said that a good chunk of your side was, not all of you. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/39 "2017-06-04T17:42:43Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > I’m not an evil person, I’m a bad person. There’s a difference. To you. Not objectively though. > [@Shagnasty](#): > > I am a generally law-abiding person but sometimes the fear of punishment is the only thing stopping me from doing something most people would regard, let’s call it, less than optimal for society. Such as? ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2017, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087/40 "2017-06-04T17:50:02Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > Such as? Like beating the hell out of or even killing some people that I can’t stand. I have a big revenge streak that I feel no remorse for because I am not the one that starts it. I turn icy cold and scarily brutal when someone intentionally wrongs me. I want them to be hurt badly and I want to see it personally. The only reason I don’t follow through with that is that I don’t look good in orange and I hate crowded living spaces. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-first-learn-that-you-are-an-evil-person/788087.md?page=3)