The courtroom was silent as the verdict was about to be delivered. Michael sat in the defendant's chair, accused of a crime he did not commit. Across from him, the real culprit watched with a smirk. Justice was supposed to be clear-cut—good versus evil. But reality was never that simple.
The concept of good and evil has existed for centuries, but psychology suggests that no one is purely good or entirely evil. Instead, every human carries both light and darkness within them. The difference lies in the choices we make.
1. Moral Relativity – What is considered good in one culture or era may be seen as evil in another. A revolutionary fighting for freedom may be a hero to some and a terrorist to others. Morality is often dictated by perspective.
2. The Shadow Self – According to Carl Jung, every person has a "shadow"—the hidden, darker side of their personality. Most people suppress it, but under certain circumstances, this shadow emerges, leading to actions they never thought themselves capable of.
3. Situational Influence on Morality – Studies like the Stanford Prison Experiment show how quickly people can shift from kindness to cruelty when placed in positions of power. It is not always the person who is evil, but the situation that brings out their worst.
4. Justifying Evil Acts – Most people who commit harm do not see themselves as villains. Instead, they justify their actions as necessary. A thief may believe stealing is the only way to survive. A dictator may believe he is maintaining order. Even history's most notorious figures often saw themselves as righteous.
5. The Potential for Change – If evil is a choice, so is redemption. Many people who commit wrongdoings seek forgiveness or change their paths. The duality of good and evil is not fixed—humans are constantly shifting between the two.
Michael stared at the judge, hoping for justice. But he knew, deep down, that justice was not about absolute good or evil—it was about perception. And in this world, perception could shape a person's fate more than truth ever could.