1 of 28

Write now Article Tools

The root of all evil or any evil is very simple, it's self-gratification. Mankind's endless pursuit of happiness to only please themselves, causes more misery to fellow humans, animals, the Earth, than one can ever believe. I think Genesis missed the mark when telling the story of Adam, Eve and the serpent, in that the real sin was not knowledge but making pleasure of self a priority.

Think about it, why do people use drugs? To make themselves feel better. Why do people get drunk? To make themselves feel better? Why do people smoke? To make themselves feel better. To classify these behaviors as part of a social reaction (such as trying to look "cool" or "peer pressure") is to really ignore the single reason that triggers this behavior. Once again this can be seen by looking at non-socially accepted behavior and with very few exceptions, the person doing the "dirty deed" doesn't care if they're alone or with a crowd. The act itself is gratifying and company is optional.

What about orgies? Once again these folks are looking to please themselves or pleasing others is how they please themselves so with careful scrutiny, we can see once again the movitator for this type of deviant behavior is self-gratification. So what's the cure? Practice no form of self-gratification? Believe it or not, I'm not advocating that.

Life is a balance between good and evil, dark and light, male and female and as such, one can't totally eliminate one condition or the other without losing perspective. It was once said in the need to publicize a good deed shows a hint of evil in a person just as the need to hide an evil deed shows a hint of good. Without both conditions present, the remaining one becomes meaningless.

Does this mean there is no solution? I believe the way to resolve this situation is to perform charitable service for those in need. It still is a form of self-gratification but is overshadowed by the good deed of helping others. A purist would point out you would need to be miserable when doing this to truly eliminate the "root of all evil" but I contend who would want to help others if you feel miserable. Or would you want someone miserable helping you? Probably not. Additionally those who do serve others, serve as an example and can encourage others to move from the dark path of self-gratification.

Give it a shot and visit your local church, school or other organizations to sign up today. If you do, you'll have the satisfaction of not just thinking about dealing with the root of all evil but will be doing something about it.

Learn more about this author, R Shimoda.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about What is the root of all evil?
We want to hear your view. Write now!