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I don't believe that boredom causes evil. I think that boredom can have some impact on making a person do stupid, questionable, or malicious things, but I don't think the boredom itself causes evil. There's that old saying about idle hands doing the devil's work, but I think that's a simplistic statement that doesn't adequately explain the cause.

When I feel bored, the following thoughts come to mind:

- I'm probably someplace that I don't want to be, but I can't easily leave that place
- I can't think of anything that I would like to do, at least not where I am
- Time seems to be passing VERY slowly
- All of this makes me feel uncomfortable and I'll soon be pacing like a caged tiger as I feel more bored and less happy

Following along with the caged tiger analogy, I'm trapped in a place wanting to do something different, so I've got motivation, but I don't think there's anything around that I can pleasantly expend energy and time doing. So, what can I do?

A) I can expend some time and energy thinking of creative ways to make the most of my situation within my constraints (clean the house; study or learn something new; etc.)

B) I can try to change my situation to make it more fun or exciting for me, but I may break one or more rules in doing so and make cause damage or hurt feelings (pull the fire alarm; commit a robbery; destroy someone's property; etc.)

Both A and B are equally possible scenarios. Scenario A would be seen as a positive, growing experience. I look at Scenario B as being destructive (i.e. evil). Scenario A may well be less fun and may take more motivation and energy, but it's ultimately beneficial. Scenario B could also be difficult, but it would definitely be exciting and it might seem easier.

Scenario B is the lazy and irresponsible choice, in my opinion. The question of whether or not boredom causes evil doesn't seem right to me because the bored individual has the option of choosing what they will do. Scenario B may seem to be the fun, easy choice, with a probable benefit of instant gratification, but you ultimately have to make the choice to do something positive or negative.

My conclusion is that boredom itself does not cause evil. Our attitudes and behaviors distinguish between evil and good acts. I think that "evil" acts in undesirable situations are more the result of impatience, laziness, and irresponsibility than genuine malice.

You can choose what you will do. Don't blame boredom.

Learn more about this author, Mark Dykeman.
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