BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will

Subject: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 02:22 PM

Patton Oswalt, comedian, said...

>>I remember, when 9/11 went down, my reaction was, "Well, I've had it with humanity."

But I was wrong. I don't know what's going to be revealed to be behind all of this mayhem. One human insect or a poisonous mass of broken sociopaths.

But here's what I DO know. If it's one person or a HUNDRED people, that number is not even a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a percent of the population on this planet. You watch the videos of the carnage and there are people running TOWARDS the destruction to help out. (Thanks FAKE Gallery founder and owner Paul Kozlowski for pointing this out to me). This is a giant planet and we're lucky to live on it but there are prices and penalties incurred for the daily miracle of existence. One of them is, every once in awhile, the wiring of a tiny sliver of the species gets snarled and they're pointed towards darkness.

But the vast majority stands against that darkness and, like white blood cells attacking a virus, they dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evil doers and, more importantly, the damage they wreak. This is beyond religion or creed or nation. We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We'd have eaten ourselves alive long ago.

So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, "The good outnumber you, and we always will."<<

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Mrrzy
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 02:29 PM

Jack the Sailor... nice.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 02:33 PM

Thank you, Jack.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 02:36 PM

Yes indeed my friend. But the good needs to be vigilant and watchful of others for sure.

God Bless
Dan

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Midchuck
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 02:38 PM

What was the quote about all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing - or something about like that?

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 02:56 PM

"Yes indeed my friend. But the good needs to be vigilant and watchful of others for sure."

The Boston PD was vigilant. Someone overcame the vigilance. But the responders were ready. They were rushing to help and to secure the area while the camera man was turning to to see where the smoke was.

I think that the good needs to stop pissing and moaning and acting like crybabies when we are attacked and act more like Oswalt. This wall to wall coverage. Interviewing people talking about the sadness, speculating about blame before the investigation really gets started.

It magnifies the terror.

How stupid are we as a society to give a madman who kills to generate terror and attention to serve up that terror attention on a plate.

Oswalt is right. Look at the people running in to help! Think of all the good people. Don't be sad. Be proud. Be proud of the responders. Be proud of humanity.

The good do outnumber the evil. In the face of all of it we need to keep that in mind and not give in to fear.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Amos
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 03:10 PM

I suspect the ratio is around 98 to 2 more or less. But evil can be infectious and make people act wonkier than they really are just by bullying, suppressing, intimidating or just stirring them up. It's important not to be gulled into buying negative generalities which can cloud your world-view unnecessarily.


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Little Hawk
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 03:17 PM

Yes, the good outnumber the evil by a great margin. What worries me is the general motivations of people at the top of great power structures, and the influence brought upon them by the power of money. Most of that money is in the hands of a very few people, in terms of the general population. Such people launch wars, perpetrate a Holocaust, and build things like the H-bomb. Many basically good people can be led astray by a few ambitious leaders.

Your original point, however, stands and is correct.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: GUEST,Blandiver
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 05:17 AM

Evil seems a bit strong. I doubt there are many people who can be said to be completely evil, whilst I doubt there is anyone who can be held up to be completely good. Gandhi saw no harm in Apartheid (just as long as it didn't apply to him) and Mother Theresa made jokes about the pain and suffering of others she so delighted in as a measure of God's Love (the famous 'Jesus Kiss' routine she regularly featured as part of her stand-up act). For sure shit happens, but I've known the most decent of people do the most appalling things, and vice-versa if I'm honest.

It's true though - the good stuff outnumbers the bad to the point that the bad is exceptional to the general rule. That the negative stuff draws our interest is simply because it is the exception. People need the story, and invariably respond with stories & ballads of their own. As I recall, the case of Raoul Moat provided a plethora of both - a latter-day Staggerlee indeed.   

But, just as Pornography exploits our Sexuality (and Religion our basic hopes & fears of life & death), so the Media exploits our darker curiosities. There was a case when this chap went to the doctor because he was depressed about the state of the world and thought some pills might help him better cope with it.
'What makes you think the world is so bad?' asked the GP.
'It's all I ever read about in the papers - all I ever see on TV,' came the reply.
'Then might I suggest you stop reading the papers and watching the TV?' said the medical man.
And so the depressive was cured.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: GUEST,Musket sans cookie
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 06:18 AM

The fact that civilisation has progressed thus far could be seen as evidence of the good outnumbering the bad.

It could also be seen as demonstrable evidence in favour of the altruism hard wired in living things that have to cooperate to survive.

Either way it doesn't make an argument for perpetuating tools of oppression.

Dawkins Bless.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Stu
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 06:39 AM

OP - Aye.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: ranger1
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 06:50 AM

I know I posted this on the other thread, but this is important to remember, too. Keep calm and carry on

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 08:13 AM

There is so much good in the worst of us,
And so much bad in the best of us,
That it hardly behooves any of us
To talk about the rest of us.

Edward Wallis Hoch (1849 - 1925)

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Bobert
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 08:16 AM

Yes, the good way out number the bad... That's a good thing...

But the bad seem to run the show... That's a bad thing...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 09:45 AM

They crucified Jesus of Nazareth. Couple days later, Pilate said, "Damn! You just can't keep a good man down!"

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 10:58 AM

Another thread highjacked by the Atheists.

There was no talk of religion until the usual atheistic suspects chimed in.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: GUEST,Blandiver
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 11:08 AM

Sorry, Jack - I thought I was actually agreeing with you! And I only mentioned it once - the evil antics of Mad Mother Teresa notwithstanding, though to many she's a beacon of goodness. It's a puzzler for sure!

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 12:03 PM

Yes... the basically good do outnumber the evil- but the actual situation is that population is increasing... which means that even with a small %, the total numbers of evil (and disturbed ones) is increasing... which raises the totals of the problems and leads to more totals of evil events.
Add to this the instantaneous reporting OF the terrible.... with images... and it becomes hard to avoid a new one almost every day.

I don't know how to insulate myself from it all.... and from the stress of processing & worrying.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 12:04 PM

"But, just as Pornography exploits our Sexuality (and Religion our basic hopes & fears of life & death)"

Sorry, that does not sound like agreeing to me. Perhaps it is a reflex, but that sort of thing is a very common reflex on this forum.

Maybe we can all take Oswalt's essay to heart an "look for the good" before we comment.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: GUEST,Blandiver
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 12:28 PM

Jack the Sailor - I was agreeing with you that there is more good than evil in the world, though like I say I think evil is a tad harsh as few are completely evil and none are completely good. Evil thrives where Good men sit around congratulating themselves on how much better they are than everyone else.

Can I just say how sorry I am for drifting back to the BS section of Mudcat at several points of late? I swore to stay away but various bouts of illness has left me vulnerable to it's gravitational pull. It's like a dying star sucking all life out of the universe as its collective density grows. I hope to have the strength to break free of its orbit soon - once and for all...

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: GUEST,Musket sans cookie
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 12:33 PM

Just wondered if pointing out altruism as possibly bring hardwired is hijacking anything?

The good do outnumber the evil. Some ascribe it mischievously such as my Dawkins Bless, some earnestly such as old dude's God bless.

Difficult to see which grated most on Sailor Jack's philosophy. ..

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 12:35 PM

If you are agreeing why stick in unrelated controversial points?

Please, seriously consider the other person's point of view.

I think it is a wise strategy for you to avoid the BS section if it is causing you to be unintentionally uncivil.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: GUEST,Blandiver
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 12:49 PM

With all due respect, Jack - you take the pies when it comes to incivility. But that's cool by me - we're all only human after all...

Gratuitous link to Kipling's A Pilgrim's Way which encompasses much of what I dearly love about the Human Condition

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: jacqui.c
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 01:15 PM

I do believe that we all have a dark side. It is the way in which we use that particular attribute that leads us either to be called 'good' or 'evil'.

I'm sure most 'Catters are aware of the following.

A Native American elder was asked how he handled his own inner struggles about his abilities and achieving his intentions for himself and his people. He replied: "Inside of me there are two dogs. One of the dogs is unhappy, insecure and full of doubt. He is harsh and negative and quick with criticism. The other dog is joyful and confident. He is supportive and inviting to play. The doubtful dog fights the confident dog all the time." When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, "The one I feed the most."

To my mind this is very true. I choose to try and feed the positive dog, although admit that the negative can come through sometimes. I think most people feel the same way, even if they are not aware of it.

As I said on the Boston thread - the goodness of people showed on Monday in the guys who ran toward the danger, to help the injured, and those who opened up their hearts and homes to others. Now there are people making real efforts to raise funds for those affected.

I see this goodness in the people who donate yarn to my needlecraft group at the local women's shelter and in the women themselves who, in spite of being in very difficult circumstances, will make things for others and help each other with their craftwork.

There are a lot of good people out there - we just don't always hear about them - good deeds don't make it onto the news too often and are no good for reality tv, which seems to concentrate, mostly, on the nastier side of human nature.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: akenaton
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 03:01 PM

There is good and evil in everyone of us, there are no completely good people and even the most evil have some goodness in them.

Jacks post is too simplistic....evil lurks in the most respected of places.....Do unto others as you would be done to is a good maxim.

Our resident thinker LH is correct once again the power of money is one of the greatest evils, making us all complicit in wars, invasions, torture and death.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 05:35 PM

I believe that the vast majority of people have basically good hearts. I agree that the constant reporting by the media of every evil act around the world skews our view of humankind. Over the many many years of teaching, I worked with literally thousands of young people. I also led a Brownie pack for donkey's years and a youth club too. In all that time, I met several rather naughty and challenging youngsters. I met mischievous and irritating ones, even disruptive and a bit dishonest ones. But among all those I worked with, there were only four that I felt were truly bad, to the extent that they worried me greatly. Three ended up in prison as adults, on long sentences. The fourth committed murder having attacked his foster mother with a knife. He was placed in Broadmoor. This represents a very tiny proportion of all those young human beings, and I think is pretty indicative of the population as a whole.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: GUEST,Spleen Cringe
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 06:03 PM

The best thing on this thread is the Kipling poem Blandiver links to above. If you've not read it, go and do so now.

Though as an atheist I may be disqualified from holding an opinion and sharing it on this thread from what I can make out.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 07:20 PM

Yeah Spleen Cringe because all threads need to be about atheism. Because apparently you can't talk about anything without bringing it up. But the reason that there is so much talk about atheism here is because "atheist bashers" bring it up.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 10:38 PM

BDL, nice to see someone else use that quote.

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: GUEST,Spleen Cringe
Date: 18 Apr 13 - 03:03 AM

"Yeah Spleen Cringe because all threads need to be about atheism. Because apparently you can't talk about anything without bringing it up. But the reason that there is so much talk about atheism here is because "atheist bashers" bring it up"

You really are quite an objectionable man, Jack. And you know nothing about me so don't presume.

For the record, I've had Christianity shoved in my face in one way or another my entire life and been extremely gracious about it, so no lectures or snide comments from you, thank you very much!

Subject: RE: BS: The Good Outnumber the Evil. Always Will
From: GUEST,Musket sans sailor seaman
Date: 18 Apr 13 - 03:48 AM

Not just me then.