pessimist
evilpessimist
Presumption of guilt.
Today legal systems in most countries assume the inverse theory, presumption of innocence, or innocent until proven guilty. In a legal context, this protocol makes complete sense and helps protect human rights; should we apply this principle to all aspects of our life?
What if we have it all wrong? Presumption of guilt, while harsh, may save us a heartache or two in our personal lives. I can’t help but wonder if this should be our approach in relationships. Is this how we should approach men? Friends?
My naivety thus far in my life has blinded me from a very obvious fact; people are dangerous. Maybe it comes from my happy and sheltered childhood, maybe I genuinely think the best of people. Not just physical but emotional wounds cut deep and I can’t help but think that they can be avoided. Should we consider people dangerous? A ticking time bomb of potential hurt. A slap in the face, a blindside around every corner. Maybe we should consider people hostile as we wait for them to prove their value as a positive addition to our lives. Guilty until proven innocent.
What does that say about our nature though if we begin to think like that? Jaded, pessimistic humans we quickly become. Or maybe just smart? Realistic?
I had a hard week. You may have guessed that from the depressing topic today. Hard weeks always make me retreat into myself, clinging on to my few truths and creature comforts.
What are we?
What do you believe about the nature of humans? Are we good or evil? From a religious standpoint, we are told that humans are born into sin and we have fallen short from the glory of God. If we’re born into sin, are we all evil? Spending our lives desperately trying to make up for, cover up, and deny our sinful and evil nature?
Philosophers don’t offer much help either. Hobbes vs. Rousseau. One believed that humans were corrupt creatures who required a ‘sovereign’ power to enforce laws and stability. The other believed that humans were inherently good and it was society that corrupted us. It’s the difference between thinking that babies are pure or evil. Do we need to teach them how to be kind and proper or do we need to try to retain their goodness and pray it doesn’t seep away with the years?
I’m not sure where I land yet. I do know that with every new scar I become a little bit more jaded, a little more cynical, a little less trusting.
Let’s hope we can continue to see the good.
pessimist pessimist
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