On Evil
Editor’s Note: I am not here to police anyone’s speech. But I do sometimes share a few of the restrictions I place on my own speech when asked why I speak the way I do. One of my restrictions is this: I do not refer to other people as evil. To be clear: There is evil. I spy evil. I name evil. I believe folks succumb to evil. I believe I myself succumb to evil. But I try very hard to not speak of another person as evil. I’m sure I’ll have more to say about evil in time. And I welcome your thoughts. For now, please consider Jeremy Engels’ words on evil. The link to the whole piece I’m inviting you to read is in the name beneath the quote.
“Some may think that evil people can only be defeated, through violence if necessary. To call someone evil damages the civic fabric, for it undermines cooperation and promotes distrust between people who must learn to live, work and thrive together.”
I have too often thought of certain people as evil. I know that when I do, I am writing them off. "They're so bad that I now no longer bear responsibility to reach out to them." Although I may not trust them, I must shake off the labeling and leave the door open.
Are you familiar with the film Evil Does Not Exist? Would be interested in hearing your take on it.