Why I believe the lack of compassion is the root of all evil

[pschriel]

In my article Why I do not believe that the love of money is the root of all evil I said that money, or the love of money, is not the root of all evil. But then what is?

If there is a root of all evil, I believe it must be seeing others (or other groups) as inferior. Not being able to have compassion for one another and others point of view, not being able to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes: Looking at situations from a different perspective:

Why I believe the lack of compassion is the root of all evil

[brendannz]

Is it possible that there are other causes of evil? For example too much compassion may be patronising to someone.. like treating them as though they're miserable, and incapable of doing anything for themselves, so showering them with sympathy, that they don't need.

After all, people go to war to bring about peace within their own people.. (makes lots of sense)

[Cochonette]

Do you mean to say that the objective view of reality is the root of all evil, while the interconnected view is the solution?

[YourHumbleNarrator]

But money is the root of all evil, if you think about it. Why would someone horde money? What kind of man could attain vast stores of wealth while completely disregarding the well being of those around him? What happens to someone who values luxury over their own humanity?

Money is not the root of evil. However, if you carefully study the "evil" men with vast wealth, you'll understand everything that drives a man to become that.

[Desmond]

What is evil anyway? Is there even such a thing as evil?
And why isn't it fear?

[brendannz]

Originally Posted by YourHumbleNarrator

But money is the root of all evil, if you think about it. Why would someone horde money? What kind of man could attain vast stores of wealth while completely disregarding the well being of those around him? What happens to someone who values luxury over their own humanity?

Money is not the root of evil. However, if you carefully study the "evil" men with vast wealth, you'll understand everything that drives a man to become that.

But money could be a route of good, too..

[YourHumbleNarrator]

Originally Posted by brendannz

But money could be a route of good, too..

I wasn't saying it couldn't (though I'm wary of terms such as good and evil). I'm not judging money. I was saying you can learn a lot about what motivates people by watching how they use it.

[Bleicke]

I believe egotism is the root of all good, and altruism/compassion is the root of all evil.

If you think about it, how perverted is it to put the well being of others above your own? Consequently followed, an altruistic/compassionate person is a slave to other people. He will work his entire life and give away everything to people who have not deserved it.

On the other hand an egotistic person cares for himself, respects himself and tries to improve his situation. He only gives to others when he benefits from it, e.g. fair trade in which both parties gain.

I think it's disrespectful and evil to be compassionate or altruistic.

[amj]

Originally Posted by pschriel

In my article Why I do not believe that the love of money is the root of all evil I said that money, or the love of money, is not the root of all evil. But then what is?

If there is a root of all evil, I believe it must be seeing others (or other groups) as inferior. Not being able to have compassion for one another and others point of view, not being able to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes: Looking at situations from a different perspective:

Why I believe the lack of compassion is the root of all evil

You are absolutely right. More compassion is something we all need.

Shalom (peace)

[YourHumbleNarrator]

Originally Posted by Bleicke

I think it's disrespectful and evil to be compassionate or altruistic.

Altruism, in the sense that you would arbitrarily give until you have nothing, is insane but it isn't really evil. Convincing people that's how they have to live is evil, if the intention is to exploit them. Really, "good" and "evil" are inadequate descriptors because we tend to define them by their effects rather than their motivations, yet truly "evil" motives are rare.

One can be quite compassionate while also being self-focused. And self-focus doesn't mean ego centered; it means focusing on drawing energy to you rather than giving it out. There's still an outflow, there has to be, but someone who is empowered is in control of that outflow regardless of which side they fall on. Compassion need only be given to those one has deemed worthy of such, to those who are ready to liberate themselves rather than rely on the good will of others.

[bluedragon]

Of course it is. And if everyone became more compassionate, the world would slowly change.

That's why I like teaching people about health and emotional mastery, cause if you are emotionally and physically healthy, then you are capable of compassion.

[ar81]

In my experience, lack of mental health is the root of evil.
A happy person does not need to hurt anyone and would be pleased if something good happens to others.
To me, evil is plain and simple lack of mental health.

[Talkofthatown919]

i wouldn't necessarily say the root of all evil. More so they should choose to do something more fulfilling in life.

[YourHumbleNarrator]

Originally Posted by ar81

In my experience, lack of mental health is the root of evil.
A happy person does not need to hurt anyone and would be pleased if something good happens to others.
To me, evil is plain and simple lack of mental health.

I think you're fairly close, though I would add a healthy person can and will inflict harm if they believe it's for the greater good or that it's the only/best way to get something that they want. At the very least, one can have good intentions while still doing massive harm to themselves and to other people.

Those who are truly evil, as in malicious for the sake of being malicious, are psychotic. There is an imbalance within them that drives them to hate. Such people are rare, and it's even rarer that they acquire power. Most conflicts in the world are a result of good fighting good, so to speak; even if something really isn't good, anything can be framed that way. Nobody wants to call themselves evil unless they're being theatrical, ironic, or they have something to gain in adopting that guise.

[ar81]

Originally Posted by YourHumbleNarrator

I think you're fairly close, though I would add a healthy person can and will inflict harm if they believe it's for the greater good or that it's the only/best way to get something that they want. At the very least, one can have good intentions while still doing massive harm to themselves and to other people.

So if healthy people see banks doing massive harm to themselves and to other people, what would they do?