(September 26, 2016 at 3:11 am)Alasdair Ham Wrote:(September 26, 2016 at 3:02 am)Thumpalumpacus Wrote: I think there are human monsters. I also think that each and every one of us has that potential, depending on circumstance.
I guess it comes down to a matter of definition then. I would consider a 'human monster' to be a 'subhuman'... and I don't believe in the existence of subhumans nor do I believe in dehumanizing anyone. This is why I don't believe in human monsters. I have compassion for absolutely everyone
See, I disagree there. Even human monsters are still human. We both agree Hitler was a monster, but he loved his niece, and his dog. Given the right set of circumstances, I believe, we each and every one of us have the capacity to become Hitler, or Salk, or Genghis Khan, or Sargent Shriver. We each have the capacity for great good and evil -- and what that tells me is that how we live is a choice -- we choose each modality, day-by-day and even moment-by-moment.
And all those modalities are part of the human experience. A guy like Hitler may have been the nadir of humanity, but he was still human. Someone like Salk may have been the apotheosis of humanity -- but he too was still human, his wife probably bitched about his skid-marks no matter that he discovered the polio vaccine.
And we all have skid-marks. We all do.
(September 26, 2016 at 3:11 am)Alasdair Ham Wrote: The thread is derailing... I hope either the derail ends or the thread is split... whatever happens I want this thread to stay strong: I love this awesome thread created by my awesome friend Ivy.
Probably, but hey, it's a good convo, and if it isn't split, readers will get a nice surprise.
I'm going to go play my guitar a bit, but I sure appreciate the thinking you've given me, and hope I've returned the favor, Hammy.