NEM 220528 - Necessary Evils
Welcome to Never-Ending Musings! A weekly collection of thoughts from SK Kage.
I dislike the term 'necessary evil.' I find the belief 'there will always be evil in the world' similarly detestable. Are there senseless and capricious acts? Yes. Are there individuals who break the social contract for greed or personal grudges? Yes. Do humans inherently have a seed of evil in them? Well... maybe.
I am no philosopher, nor am I a psychologist. However, even should there be such a kernel of hate, callousness, or cruelty, why should it follow these are necessary? Do we not live in a world trending towards increasing global community? Humans are capable of incredible acts of kindness and love, though they may also perform acts of senseless violence.
Why do tragedies happen? Statistics. Billions cover this planet and should just 0.01% of them act on their occasional impulses going against the grain of society, that's hundreds of thousands of people. Thus, does statistics define the necessity of evil?
Let me ask this: Are there necessary evils or is the term just an excuse? Isn't your necessary evil simply an admission you don't have an alternative?
Had I the ability to change the language in our discourse, I would replace the term with 'consequent evils,' reflecting the fact we have policies, laws, and inclinations whose results foster evil. The words we use have power and such a minute alteration could reframe a debate and open a dialogue.
Thus, when someone takes to the bully pulpit to decry the inevitability of tragedy, remember these are not, in fact, necessary. They are a consequence of society's choices and those who believe in its necessity lack the imagination or the will to change and have given up.
No evils are necessary, but we may not have found the right solution yet. Do not give up. Continue to strive for something better.
- SK
Evil Is Not Necessary
There is always a way to prevent evil, even when we face a mounting sense of hopelessness in the face of it. Pick up the pieces of tragedy and forge a future absent the next.
Written by Sheyla Enelladalcol Aeleat
Edited by Shikya Enelladalcol Aeleat
Mindcepts by Ella Enelnasalcol Malric
Edited by Shikya Enelladalcol Aeleat
Mindcepts by Ella Enelnasalcol Malric
and Alvix Tuvar
This is beautifully written! I, too, want us all to strive for a better world and not just assume that what already is, must be necessary. Here’s to a brighter tomorrow!
Indeed. *Clinks glass in shared toast.* <3