True adult behavior doesn't kick in until the 20s

Thats very true.
Which leads to we are not born evil.

Totally agree with your reasoning but the topic are 'are humans born evil'.
'The vast majority of human beings handles the power they have in a very responsible manner.'
A Child doesn't know what a responsible manner is.
'Greedy people are no more in control over their own behavior than drug addicts.'
Children can not be addict since it take times to become an addict.

My point is more that greed is not evil behavior nor results in evil behavior.

A child does know what a responsible manner is. How many children go out of their way to hurt other living creatures? How many children do you need to teach that hurting others is bad? How many children instinctively know when they are hurting others, be it humans or animals or even plants? If a child hurts another living thing, its usually because the child either does not know that its causing pain to another living thing or because the child has not yet recognized the other as a living being.

Of course, there are exceptions, but the majority of human beings have an instinct that tells them not to hurt other living things without a good reason.

Pre-adolescent children are psychopaths. Teens are narcissists. True adult behavior doesn't kick in until the 20s

That would be taking it over the top a bit. Also, that view probably doesn't take cultural influences into account.

Cultural influences?
First of all you have to be old enough to understand that concept.
Then from what I know all religions since 3000 years ago have the same ethic and emotional view how to interact to other individuals.
For the people who aren't religious same rules apply.

Cultural influences?
First of all you have to be old enough to understand that concept.
Then from what I know all religions since 3000 years ago have the same ethic and emotional view how to interact to other individuals.
For the people who aren't religious same rules apply.

A) no you don't. A culture shapes you in ways you are mostly unaware of. You don't need to understand the concept to be affected by it.
B) really? You think that the people in Asia are raised with the exact same values as the people in Europe? You think that the people in Africa and the Middle East share the same values as the people in Micronesia? Don't be stupid, there are a number of significant differences in each culture that changes the perspective of the people born in their respective cultures in different ways. That includes their views on what 'evil' exactly means, what causes it and how to deal with it.

Cultural influences?
First of all you have to be old enough to understand that concept.
Then from what I know all religions since 3000 years ago have the same ethic and emotional view how to interact to other individuals.
For the people who aren't religious same rules apply.

A) no you don't. A culture shapes you in ways you are mostly unaware of. You don't need to understand the concept to be affected by it.
B) really? You think that the people in Asia are raised with the exact same values as the people in Europe? You think that the people in Africa and the Middle East share the same values as the people in Micronesia? Don't be stupid, there are a number of significant differences in each culture that changes the perspective of the people born in their respective cultures in different ways. That includes their views on what 'evil' exactly means, what causes it and how to deal with it.

Mike:)
I have to repeat.First of all you have to be old enough to understand that concept.
And of course culture are different in different parts in the World (even in Sweden) but the basics of morality and ethics are all the same.
But there are a-holes also all over the World.

Mike:)
I have to repeat.First of all you have to be old enough to understand that concept.

Why would you need to be old enough to understand a concept in order to be influenced by it?

Also, while the basics of morality might be similar all over the world, all that means is that 'good' behavior is relatively consistent all over the world. Bad behavior or 'evil' behavior has very little to do with morality.

Why would you need to be old enough to understand a concept in order to be influenced by it?

Because the brain isn't fully developed you are borned. It takes som years to understand concepts. At first you are happy when givíng food, warmth and shelter. Nothing more.

Also, while the basics of morality might be similar all over the world, all that means is that 'good' behavior is relatively consistent all over the world. Bad behavior or 'evil' behavior has very little to do with morality.

'evil' AND 'good' behavior has very MUCH to do with morality.
But you have to be old enough to understand it.

Can anybody explain to me what the definition of 'evil' is?
A very bad thing happened to me in this forum recently which I consider is an evil act.
It's about US ways to handle "strong words".
Why are so many US people afraid of words?
Can a word be Evil and have someone died from hearing it?
Dont think so.

Wake up USA!

janneseti -- The USA has been a nation, in transit, ever since I can remember.
Much of what was banned, on the movie screen -- at least, when explicitly spoken/revealed -- in the 1940's, for instance, is now permitted.

Drinking codes, in the States, are changing, but will pbly. never be equal
to those, in Europe (I was stationed in Germany, in the 60's.). It has to
do with our history. Prohibition was tried, and didn't work. But, the
sentiment is still there, I feel.

Supposedly, according to this last weekend's Boston Globe, Greece has a way
to go, in order to significantly reduce its citizenry's inclination to avoid
paying taxes. That's not the case, here -- generally-speaking. It doesn't
mean we are better than the Greeks -- we just didn't get conquered by the
Turks, in our past (to simplify). There is a fair amount of "under-the-table"
mentality, amongst the trade membership (I worked the trades, to put my way
through college.). But, I still feel it's in the minority.

As the Globe article said, in conclusion -- perhaps, Greece will need another
leader, on the order of Pericles (The USA could use on, as well.).

---

Pre-adolescent children are psychopaths. Teens are narcissists. True adult behavior doesn't kick in until the 20s

That would be taking it over the top a bit. Also, that view probably doesn't take cultural influences into account.

Are you a parent ? Because the original statement is one of the few things Es and I totally agree on. :D

T.A.

Pre-adolescent children are psychopaths. Teens are narcissists. True adult behavior doesn't kick in until the 20s

That would be taking it over the top a bit. Also, that view probably doesn't take cultural influences into account.

Are you a parent ?

...

What gave it away? :D

---

Reality Internet Personality

Can anybody explain to me what the definition of 'evil' is?
A very bad thing happened to me in this forum recently which I consider is an evil act.
It's about US ways to handle "strong words".
Why are so many US people afraid of words?
Can a word be Evil and have someone died from hearing it?
Dont think so.

Wake up USA!

Its called being politcaly correct. Just another word used to control what we are to think, say, and do. I think its BS myself.
However saying that words can hurt a lot. Ever get mad at your spouse and say something so vile and spitefull, That you wish you had never said it, Or heard a spouse say it? Yes words can kill. They can kill the spirit of a young child, A Mom,Dad, Sister or brother. And words twisted to make a point and or politcal rant can kill millions. Dont think so? Hitler used words to start with. Look what happend. Still dont think words can kill? The US is rife with examples of the printed word stirring up hate which led to killings.

I think that you are wrong, Words can kill from hearing it. Words have killed right from when we started using them.
And you should be glad that the US is wakeing up about words. Maybe that one word we use(WAR) will die out.

---

[/quote]

Old James

Can anybody explain to me what the definition of 'evil' is?
A very bad thing happened to me in this forum recently which I consider is an evil act.
It's about US ways to handle "strong words".
Why are so many US people afraid of words?
Can a word be Evil and have someone died from hearing it?
Dont think so.

Wake up USA!

Its called being politcaly correct. Just another word used to control what we are to think, say, and do. I think its BS myself.
However saying that words can hurt a lot. Ever get mad at your spouse and say something so vile and spitefull, That you wish you had never said it, Or heard a spouse say it? Yes words can kill. They can kill the spirit of a young child, A Mom,Dad, Sister or brother. And words twisted to make a point and or politcal rant can kill millions. Dont think so? Hitler used words to start with. Look what happend. Still dont think words can kill? The US is rife with examples of the printed word stirring up hate which led to killings.

I think that you are wrong, Words can kill from hearing it. Words have killed right from when we started using them.
And you should be glad that the US is wakeing up about words. Maybe that one word we use(WAR) will die out.

Now you misunderstood me. How can a single word hurt people?
It is enough to maybe make a misspelling and the reader gets angry.
Especially in a global world where many nationalities come together with different languages.
For example, there is a toothpaste in Germany called Kukident and I can guarantee you that there is no one who wants that in your mouth in Scandinavia!
And how are rating these Word?
STASI, KGB, NSA, FRA?
And how are checking all the communication between people and censors offending Words?
STASI, KGB, NSA, FRA... The public?

Politically correct? I love that expression:)
That means that there is only one politic that is correct.
No need for politicians.
No need for this forum.
No need for elections.
Perhaps not wars, violence, humilation, mobbing and poverty.
Is it not called Utopia?

Can anybody explain to me what the definition of 'evil' is?
A very bad thing happened to me in this forum recently which I consider is an evil act.
It's about US ways to handle "strong words".
Why are so many US people afraid of words?
Can a word be Evil and have someone died from hearing it?
Dont think so.

Wake up USA!

Its called being politcaly correct. Just another word used to control what we are to think, say, and do. I think its BS myself.
However saying that words can hurt a lot. Ever get mad at your spouse and say something so vile and spitefull, That you wish you had never said it, Or heard a spouse say it? Yes words can kill. They can kill the spirit of a young child, A Mom,Dad, Sister or brother. And words twisted to make a point and or politcal rant can kill millions. Dont think so? Hitler used words to start with. Look what happend. Still dont think words can kill? The US is rife with examples of the printed word stirring up hate which led to killings.

I think that you are wrong, Words can kill from hearing it. Words have killed right from when we started using them.
And you should be glad that the US is wakeing up about words. Maybe that one word we use(WAR) will die out.

Now you misunderstood me. How can a single word hurt people?
It is enough to maybe make a misspelling and the reader gets angry.
Especially in a global world where many nationalities come together with different languages.
For example, there is a toothpaste in Germany called Kukident and I can guarantee you that there is no one who wants that in your mouth in Scandinavia!
And how are rating these Word?
STASI, KGB, NSA, FRA?

You are talking about some incedent that happend on the forum that I have no clue of. And seeing that this is a world community board. I dont know anyone who would take issue with a post from a non english speaker.Translater programs can only do so much. Plus the printed word is emotionless.
What one takes as a slight or insult could be far removed from the actual intent of the sender.
But one single word can hurt another. Whether intended or not.

---

[/quote]

Old James

But one single word can hurt another. Whether intended or not.

Nonsense. Pure nonsense.
Only in America. USA!

Can anybody explain to me what the definition of 'evil' is?
A very bad thing happened to me in this forum recently which I consider is an evil act.
It's about US ways to handle "strong words".
Why are so many US people afraid of words?
Can a word be Evil and have someone died from hearing it?
Dont think so.

Wake up USA!

Its called being politcaly correct. Just another word used to control what we are to think, say, and do. I think its BS myself.
However saying that words can hurt a lot. Ever get mad at your spouse and say something so vile and spitefull, That you wish you had never said it, Or heard a spouse say it? Yes words can kill. They can kill the spirit of a young child, A Mom,Dad, Sister or brother. And words twisted to make a point and or politcal rant can kill millions. Dont think so? Hitler used words to start with. Look what happend. Still dont think words can kill? The US is rife with examples of the printed word stirring up hate which led to killings.

I think that you are wrong, Words can kill from hearing it. Words have killed right from when we started using them.
And you should be glad that the US is wakeing up about words. Maybe that one word we use(WAR) will die out.

Now you misunderstood me. How can a single word hurt people?
It is enough to maybe make a misspelling and the reader gets angry.
Especially in a global world where many nationalities come together with different languages.
For example, there is a toothpaste in Germany called Kukident and I can guarantee you that there is no one who wants that in your mouth in Scandinavia!
And how are rating these Word?
STASI, KGB, NSA, FRA?

You are talking about some incedent that happend on the forum that I have no clue of. And seeing that this is a world community board. I dont know anyone who would take issue with a post from a non english speaker.Translater programs can only do so much. Plus the printed word is emotionless.
What one takes as a slight or insult could be far removed from the actual intent of the sender.
But one single word can hurt another. Whether intended or not.

Also, bear in mind that many teachers send their students to this project to learn and participate in science. Although it may be hard to believe sometimes, the boards are supposed to be PG.13.

If you have any further comments about moderation policy here, please read the rules to the left of your posting window or email the moderators.

---

Reality Internet Personality

Also, bear in mind that many teachers send their students to this project to learn and participate in science. Although it may be hard to believe sometimes, the boards are supposed to be PG.13.
If you have any further comments about moderation policy here, please read the rules to the left of your posting window or email the moderators.

I know the rules and I accept them.
But what is PG.13 and can you send me a list of the Words not to be used in this forum?
And why dont you make a script which delete all offending Words when stored in the database.
It is so very simple. I can even help you with that if you want to.
Problem solved:)

If you have any further comments about moderation policy here, please read the rules to the left of your posting window or email the moderators.

email the moderators?
Where are your email adresses?

Also, bear in mind that many teachers send their students to this project to learn and participate in science. Although it may be hard to believe sometimes, the boards are supposed to be PG.13.
If you have any further comments about moderation policy here, please read the rules to the left of your posting window or email the moderators.

I know the rules and I accept them.
But what is PG.13 and can you send me a list of the Words not to be used in this forum?
And why dont you make a script which delete all offending Words when stored in the database.
It is so very simple. I can even help you with that if you want to.
Problem solved:)

PG 13 means you do not use anywords that you wouldn't use in front of someone's 13 year old child. Hardly evil, simply common good manners.

---

Reality Internet Personality

Also, bear in mind that many teachers send their students to this project to learn and participate in science. Although it may be hard to believe sometimes, the boards are supposed to be PG.13.
If you have any further comments about moderation policy here, please read the rules to the left of your posting window or email the moderators.

I know the rules and I accept them.
But what is PG.13 and can you send me a list of the Words not to be used in this forum?
And why dont you make a script which delete all offending Words when stored in the database.
It is so very simple. I can even help you with that if you want to.
Problem solved:)

PG 13 means you do not use anywords that you wouldn't use in front of someone's 13 year old child. Hardly evil, simply common good manners.

I see. That make sense:)
I thought that I have used Words that a 13 year old 'child' already know about.
In Europe most kids knows how the food leaves the body at 4 maybe 5 years old.
Nothing obscene about it.

And the list of forbidden Words?
I am not aware of forbidden Words since I am a Scandinavian.

Cheers.