Human Nature In Lord Of The Flies

Centuries of the world’s most intellectual people having debated whether it is human nature to be good or evil. The distressing truth of man is that all are born evil. What this means is that humans are innately selfish, bigoted, and barbaric. Man finds excitement and pleasure in the misfortune of others only thinking of their own well being. This idea is seen throughout history from slavery to genocide. Additionally, the barbaric state of man is well represented in such texts as Lord of The Flies. Furthermore, these themes are not just a characteristic of the past. Humankind is not any more civilized than it has ever been. The blood lust has simply been suppressed by the strong influence of society. Although hidden, this desire still manifests

Also, many times it is not just one of the ideas but them all working together. Firstly, the most infamous example is the Holocaust in Germany. Here, Adolf Hitler is seen; a man who has a strong prejudice of people who are different in religion, race, sexuality, and more. In addition, he is ethnocentric in the sense that he believes in the “perfect” race of white german non-jews. This event that started with one man’s intolerance as well as blood lust, would eventually see millions killed. Their deaths were inhumane as well. People were tortured and malnourished beyond belief. Families were forced to watch their loved ones be killed in front of their eyes. During this time, people were not thought of as people, but rather the vermin standing in one’s own

People find out when they are young that harming others is bad, but why then do these kids grow up loving the thrill of a headshot or a decapitation? Video games seem to bring out the blood lust that society had aimed to due away with. Instead of being repulsed by the merciless killing of someone, gamers are praised for their skills. Furthermore, these horrific scenes are “not portrayed as morally wrong, they are portrayed as something utterly badass; an action that is exciting and desirable” (Rakhmanin TUT). This desire suggest the fact that humans are born with guilty pleasure of wanting to kill. Another important aspect of society that has always been present is war. Scientists argue that at least 95% of all cultures show evidence of militarism and more often than not, groups that are perceived to be peaceful are “no less bestial” than any other group (Angier I.W.O.B.D.) Furthermore, war even predates humans. Apes which share about 98% of their genetics with humans waged war with one another as well. This helps support the idea that from man’s beginning they are evil because it is genetic. As apes did, humans in their most basic state or state of nature will revert to a survival of the fittest state of mind. In this state, humans will do anything to survive regardless of any moral