I’m of the belief that human beings are inherently evil. This of course runs contrary to most major religions, which claim in one way or another that we’re made in [insert deity here]‘s image, and therefore inherently good. (That’s one of the reasons why I’m an agnostic, actually.) But, the facts do not support this. You need only look at the reprehensible behavior that went on in Iran during their elections, the shellacking of the common man by the US healthcare system, or the vitriolic hatred that comprises Fox News’ daily programming to get an idea of where I’m coming from.

This behavior does indeed represent the majority of the human experience. If we were good at heart, things would’ve been fixed a long time ago. Instead, people plot, scheme, and trample their fellow human beings in pursuit of the most ridiculous, shallow goals. Money, sex, power…nothing altruistic about them, and all absolutely meaningless in the long run. Yet, they remain the most important thing on most people’s minds.

Now, I’m not saying every human being is going to commit some horrific act during their lifetime. Even people who aren’t actively screwing over others still fall into the proverbial darkness on a routine basis: lies, exaggerations, and selfishness, just to name a few. And again, all for what amounts to nothing. No one is perfect; not politicians, not role models, not holy men (who are often the worst offenders, as history has proven time and time again). We’re all guilty in one way or another, and will continue to be until our race’s inevitable extinction.