The Evil That Men Do

In the June 10, 1991 edition of Time Magazine, on page 48, there's an essay there written by Lance Morrow, entitled Evil.

The essay would enumerate the evil, the atrocities, violence and viciousness human beings have wrought to one another throughout our history. Evil has been with us since the dawn of time. From Cain to Hitler to Saddam Hussein.

Never before the world has witnessed gross malignities such as the ones perpetrated by humans to each other. Men are the only creatures in this planet that kill for reasons other than food or survival. Evil must be deeply rooted in our being. Like it's a part of being human.

However, on the other hand, human beings are capable of profound kindness towards other human beings. This act of selfishness is never demonstrated by other creatures on Earth. Good, therefore, must be part of being human, too.

The question, then, is: Can we eliminate evil, leaving us with just the good?

But if we somehow banish evil, will good be as meaningful as it is now? Will there be balance in the philosophical world? If humans will never know of evil, how can they recognize the good?

Is it possible that animals are indifferent of good and evil but humans need both?

A dichotomy, then.

To appreciate the light darkness must exist. Angels must co-exist with demons. We will not know the value of life if we do not know of death.

That will separate us from the animals.