The Human Psyche: Exploring Why People Commit Immoral Acts

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While the world isn’t dichotomous, people can be segmented into two categories – those that do good and those that don’t. When they may be inherently good, why do people commit immoral acts?

Why does evil exist in the world?

This is among the most critical questions that society must be intent on examining. Finding a resolute answer would explain centuries of damage and evade future destructions. However, while it’s a logical question, the answer isn’t as straightforward.

Key TakeAways hide

Humans Are Moldable, Others Fall Into The Wrong Mold

The Presence Of Evil In Society, Evident Or Unnoticed

Going To The Bottom Of Why People Commit Immoral Acts

Humans Are Moldable, Others Fall Into The Wrong Mold

There are a lot of suppositions about the human psyche, or the part of the mind that affects personality and choices. Common ideologies are divided into two. One believes people are born with a moral compass, making them innately good. On the other hand, others suppose that morality is learned and people are born amoral. Hence, why people commit immoral acts can be categorized under instinctive behavior or a taught decision.

But regardless, people are typically expected to do good and make moral decisions.

However, the responsibility isn’t theirs to bear alone.

Society is also expected to lead people in the right direction. Whether humans are born or made to be good, they are expected to choose goodness. It’s the only right direction to be in. Hence, when it comes to passing rules or teaching behaviors, moral judgment is anticipated.

Unfortunately, not everyone is as fond of goodness as the others.

There will always be deviants – people who willingly skew their moral compasses for personal satisfaction. And as humans are easily influenced, they may be swayed by another’s words and behavior. They witness how another has benefited from evildoings, thus convinced to practice the same patterns. This cycle propagates the evil in the world, making it ever-present throughout generations.

The Presence Of Evil In Society, Evident Or Unnoticed

It’s not unusual when people commit immoral acts. As unfortunate as this sounds, society has already grown accustomed to evil. Whether evident or unnoticed, people commit immoral acts, and others are unashamed.

From genocide to the daily misdemeanors individuals practice, it’s easy to conclude how deeply engraved evil has become in the world. People may experience goodness or notice beauty in mundane things. But this doesn’t discount the existence of cruelty around.

Author Bruce N. Ball is a testament to this. While he lives a relatively normal and peaceful life, he has also experienced the downside of it. He reflects on his experience in his book.

Quinn’s Dilemma tells the story of violence and murder. It follows a Wall Street whiz, Parker Quinn, who becomes entrapped in the notoriously dark mob world. What once was a peaceful life took a dark turn when Quinn jumped on a job with the union’s pension fund. This decision brought him close to the mob’s money, making him a massive target in their corrupt game.

While the story revolves around Quinn’s grapple for survival and safety against the union, it also touches on the odious side of humanity. The protagonist’s close association with the mob shows readers glimpses of people’s twisted nature. The book dives into the human psyche, showing what people do when thrust into specific, challenging situations.

Going To The Bottom Of Why People Commit Immoral Acts

Why do people commit immoral acts?

The standard response has been mentioned: people commit immoral acts for personal gain. They’re willing to trample on one another to boost themselves. With this motivation, anyone desperate enough is capable of committing atrocities. Often, their needs supersede their moralities. They’ll be too blinded to attain personal fulfillment that they’ll consciously let go of their goodness.

All evil begins with a motivation. The more personal this is, the higher the chances of such evil happening. While humans can be inherently good, they’re also highly self-preserving. Hence, they may consider the consequences of their actions. But when their needs and desires are at stake, they may be willing to overlook the evil laced in their actions. This is why we, individuals in need, are the common victims of immorality. They’re left with nothing but injustice to protect themselves.

However, those under aren’t the only people committing immoral acts.

On the contrary, those above them are also practicing misdemeanors.

When people are handed power, they will likely abuse it. This can still be attributed to people’s desire for survival. Given that those who live in luxury have higher chances of surviving and thriving, people are expected to strive to be at their level. Once they’re at par, they will be willing to do anything to maintain or maximize such opportunities.

People commit immoral acts because they have the opportunity and simply because they can. It can be easy to claim that people are inherently good. But with the prevalence of evil, traces of it in humanity should still be considered.