Are evil people evil

Answer 1

Evil, bad, and good are all subjective characterizations.

A more accurate way of describing people are in terms of:

- empathetic/non-empathetic or compassionate/uncompassionate

- ethical/unethical

- altruistic/selfish

When someone commits a hurtful act against another person, they are acting without empathy or compassion. They are acting for their own emotional satisfaction (be it for impulsivity, compulsion, rage, etc.) and are acting against another person.

This often characterizes someone who is "evil", insomuch as they are lacking empathy, acting unethically, and are being selfish in their actions.

To classify ALL people as "good" or "evil" is a gross stereotype.

Most people have the capacity for acting in ways that are both good or evil. It often depends upon their psychological profile as to whether they inhibit selfish acts or are prone to acting impulsively.

There are some people on the spectrum that are more likely to act altruistically (self-sacrificing) and others who are more likely to act selfishly.

Human beings are all capable of either.

Answer 2

According to Judaism, everyone is born with a presumption of goodness, and the free-will to remain that way. They then choose (or are taught) to get worse or to remain good and do good works.