What Makes a Person Evil?
By celticeagle
@celticeagle (184901)
Boise, Idaho
January 27, 2026 6:44pm CST
I happened across a documentary on YouTube last night that was about a very depraved and horrible murderer. Sometimes a show will be so jaw dropping and out of the norm that I can't stop watching. My curious mind wants to know what happens regardless of the story's details.
So, I watched this story about a boy that went to prison when he was 20 for life. He liked to go to the slaughterhouses and see the blood and gore. He liked it. Then he turned around and did that to humans. Yeh, it was awful. What a twisted human.
It really got me to thinking. What makes a person evil? Makes a human want to do this to another human. Wants to see this gore and horror. What trauma is great enough to cause this in another human being?
Definitions of the word 'evil' vary but the common elements include a capacity for cruelty, lack of empathy, and a desire to have power and control over others.
Evil can also be a matter of perspective. The willingness to be evil, satisfy the ego, and sadism that brings the satisfaction to the ego. Self-importance, dark and violent fantasies.
To actually enjoy inflicting this type of pain on others is bizarre. Sometimes this personality shift can be caused by a direct hit on the frontal cortex of the brain. Severe trauma, brain energy, or lack of being shown empathy as a child. Physical abuse and ongoing cruelty by someone you love.
How much does genetics play a role if any? Research shows that genetics does play a significant role in violent and murderous acts. Impulsivity, aggression and sensation seeking. Genetic factors can predispose a person to certain behaviors and without positive and empathetic influences or positive role models in their lives a person can become mean and lack any caring about others.
With all the horror in the world today it makes me wonder how much negativity and meanness youngsters see in the world. Is this all becoming normal? I am fascinated with the reasons behind cruelty and depravity. It never ceases to amaze me the cruelty and meanness that one human and can inflict upon another. All for ego and power.
A small child learns so much about the world around it just in the first five years of life. This is when nurturing and positive affection is the most important. If their interactions are good, then they will grow up to have a better look at the world. But if they are stunted and only get negative interactions they don't know how to act or treat others.
I think that the world can make a person evil. If it doesn't get the early nurturing and has only negative occurrences in their lives, they are more apt to be mean and heartless in their dealings with others.
I also feel that I want my little corner of the world to be as positive and good as is possible. A safe haven for my loved ones. A place of peace and goodness. A place of joy and light. Far away from the ugliness we are seeing out there.
Love each other.
I don't want to go into the world as it is now unless I absolutely have to. There are just too many people out there that seem to think negativity and cruelty is the norm. I don't want to be around these types. Those types need to be eradicated and done away with. Not shown that their actions are okay by any stretch. I hope that the negativeness in the world can change. And soon.
8 people like this
7 responses
@LovingMyBabies (85518)
• Valdosta, Georgia
28 Jan
That is absolutely so sad. =( Living with a narcissist, always made me nervous as well since they do love to control others, they don't know how to love others and they definitely don't have empathy.
It is a crazy world, however I know those of us with love and caring for others are NEEDED out in this world for others to see that there is goodness after all.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (184901)
• Boise, Idaho
28 Jan
I lived with one of those too for several years before I could get the strength to leave. Good actions by others and some kindness out in the world is a very good thing. Play it forward and all of that. But some just don't get it and it makes me fearful for my kids. I keep us away as much as possible and am very thankful for kindnesses and good treatment when I am out and about.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (184901)
• Boise, Idaho
28 Jan
@LovingMyBabies .......I think we need to push those to the forefront and thank those who help us a long the way. Make them feel good so that they continue to be positive and giving.
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85518)
• Valdosta, Georgia
28 Jan
@celticeagle I completely understand! There are people out there who really do love and care about others.
1 person likes this

@LindaOHio (212431)
• United States
28 Jan
Our world is certainly crazy at these times. More love and compassion is definitely needed.
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@celticeagle (184901)
• Boise, Idaho
31 Jan
Yes, it is. I don't even want to go out and do things. I see where there are shooting at all kinds of events and it makes me afraid to go and enjoy things I used to. I worry when my daughter goes to the store or to an appointment. Same with my grandson. There are so many mean and thoughtless people out there. But, I am always thankful to see stories of how nice some are too.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (212431)
• United States
23h
@celticeagle Man is making himself obsolete. I truly believe that.
@toniganzon (72884)
• Philippines
28 Jan
Genes coupled with traumatic experiences plus environmental factors make one evil.
I have the same hope as you. I just hope all the negativity in this world will just disappear.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (184901)
• Boise, Idaho
28 Jan
I agree. I'm glad you feel this way.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (184901)
• Boise, Idaho
28 Jan
I think, to a great degree it is. But also, a person's environment does a lot to bend and shape the personality.
@DianneN (247819)
• United States
28 Jan
I believe evil is a psychological disorder caused by a combination childhood trauma, environmental factors, and neurological disorders. Those affected by it really can’t be cured.
There is a lot of good in the world. I feel the same as you.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (184901)
• Boise, Idaho
28 Jan
I think so too. Narcissists and psychopaths, for instance, are among these.
1 person likes this
@Ineeddentures (15582)
•
28 Jan
"capacity for cruelty, lack of empathy, and a desire to have power and control over others".
I saw a guy described with almost that very paragraph.
He cut the legs of live mice when he was a kid.
1 person likes this
@choijungeun (2705)
• Hangzhou, China
28 Jan
Some evil are born to be natural,most of evil is because of the poverty.Poverty can turn a human into a monster.
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