Blue Like Jazz - Chapter 2: Problems

Man this one was powerful. It made a revelation to me so strong that it woke me up in the middle of a dream, and now I am writing this.

Kids. 人之初，性本善，or 性本惡? The thing is, if "人之初，性本善", then even if we don't teach kids anything, they would become naturally good people. But, ask every parent, and they'll tell you that's not the case. If there is no adult keeping an eye, they steal other kids' toys, they fight, they say cusswords. Even if there is an adult, they have a hard time being honest. There is a reason we need to teach kids: because it doesn't come natural to them.

Society. Now try imagining this: if there were no law or police outside right now, would the society improve for the better, or descend into anarchy? I think it's so clear: I wouldn't want to go out on the street if there were no cops. The reason I drive 50km/hr is because the cop is behind me. If he's not, I break the rules so easily.

Which tells us something profound about the human condition, including my own. That somehow, if humans are left by themselves without restraint, we will descend into anarchy. I finally just got Lord of the Flies. Humans really do have a sinful nature. I have a sinful nature.

Doing the 'wrong' things is so natural, but doing the 'right' things takes so much effort. Being ignorant is so easy, being knowledgeable takes some effort. Being selfish is really easy, being selfless takes a lot of effort.

That is why, whenever this world changes a step to the better, it's because someone has fought toes and nails for it. Think about human slavery, think about racism and human rights; People had to fight for them, imagine... why? because "noble" things are not natural to the human condition.

The scary revelation is that I am no exception... I am no different than people shown in the evening news. They are human, I am human. If they are capable of doing those atrocities, then I am capable too. In times of war and survival, would I really be capable of keeping my "cool" like now? Perhaps... but the 'right' conscience is something that needs to be fought toes and nails for. But I am glad there is a 'right' conscience at all. It is comforting to know.