This question has been debated for centuries, and the answer isn’t as simple as choosing one side. Human nature is complex, shaped by both biology and experience. Some believe people are born good, with kindness and empathy wired into us. Others argue that selfishness and cruelty are just as natural. The truth is, we have the capacity for both.
From an early age, children show signs of compassion, sharing their toys or comforting others. At the same time, they can be selfish or even aggressive when they don’t get what they want. This duality suggests that goodness isn’t automatic, but neither is evil. It depends on the environment, upbringing, and personal choices.
History is filled with examples of both incredible kindness and unthinkable cruelty. There are individuals who risk their lives for strangers, and there are those who harm others without remorse. What makes the difference? Often, it’s circumstances—how someone is raised, the experiences they go through, and the choices they make along the way.
Society plays a big role in shaping morality. We learn from those around us, absorbing values and behaviors. A person raised in a loving, supportive environment is more likely to develop empathy, while someone surrounded by violence or neglect may struggle to see the world in a positive light. But even then, people have the power to change, to overcome their past and choose a different path.
Perhaps the most important thing isn’t whether people are born good or bad, but whether they strive to be better. Every day, we make choices—small ones like being patient in traffic, and big ones like standing up for what’s right. No one is perfectly good or purely evil, but the choices we make define the kind of person we become.
What do you think?
