[taylor]

I don't think evil as such exists either hamix.

Look at nature. Is a lion evil when it rips apart nearby prey? What about when it kills another lion for dominance of a territory? What about when it has plenty of food and attacks other animals just for kicks? Not evil, just nature. The lion is seeking pleasure, avoiding pain.

Look at what humans do that is so-called evil. Killing other humans for money, dominance of a territory or public policy. Hunting animals for sport, or even serial killing for their enjoyment. It's in their nature to pursue that. Seeking pleasure, avoiding pain.

And yet we call humans evil and lions neutral why? Because we project our personal standards onto other people but we don't project those standards onto lions. So where is this good and evil but in your own mind, projected outwards?

I try to not put my standards on others but instead see them as a part of nature to be accepted as they are. But just as we wouldn't let a lion loose to eat our neighbors and family, neither should we be passive in the face of people who wish to harm others. This has nothing to do with punishment though.

"To understand everything is to forgive everything." - Buddha