What is "evil" to you?

[CarburetorThompson]

I have my own personal code of ethics that I know one cares enough for me to type at length about.

 

[Viator]

I think before you can define evil, you have to define good.

Now, let's get rid of everything we know of good.
"Oh she helped an old lady cross the road, she's a good person!" Blegh.

Instead let's go to the most basic intrinsic truths. (Or at least try to).
In this world, there is the self, and then there are others. So how does one do good? Well, it'd have to be by either making oneself happy, or another.
But to make oneself happy, only serves the self.
Making it inherently selfish. (Not necessarily evil, just not good)

So, in my mind anyways, to be good, one must put another's needs above yourself, with no inherent 'gain' for yourself. (To be 100% good anyways)

Now with that being said and out of the way. If to put others needs above your own is good, then putting your wants above all others is what I consider evil. The universal "You" as it were.

It's why I think a lot of people consider a total lack of empathy, as evil. Because it helps no one and solidifies the self.


(I will admit, I never really explained why happiness equates to good. Mainly because when defining good as "righteous or moral" the only real measuring stick I can use, is happiness, otherwise we have to go into a philosophical debate on those as well...while happiness and sadness are a universal constant, albeit, murky to define)

I would argue to put others needs before yourself without first valuing yourself, and considering what you're sacrificing for, can be evil. I used to try to sacrifice myself for the good of others all the time. I wanted to help others but loathed myself deeply. I not only ended up almost destroying myself, but I believe I caused great evil by not being careful in what I chose to sacrifice myself for. Devoting myself to helping someone not worth my sacrifice. I have come to understand, if one is to sacrifice, one must value what they are sacrificing, otherwise it's not a true sacrifice. So if you don't at least value and take care of yourself, any form of self-sacrifice is meaningless. If you don't carefully choose how you sacrifice for others, you may inadvertently support evil they participate in blindly. So more than self-sacrifice for others; wisdom and the value of your own life, and living in this world is required for good.

Outcome matters. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.