We often treat evil as something “other people” do – monsters, sociopaths, the clearly broken. But that’s dangerously naive. Every human carries the capacity for cruelty, vindictiveness, self-serving harm. We all have the circuitry for it.

The vital point isn’t whether we can do evil – we absolutely can. The point is: what are you choosing, right now, in this moment?

Goodwill is the choice to have a good effect on other people and things. And evil is choosing to have a harmful effect, whether through action or willful indifference.

This isn’t about being sorted into good people and bad people. We’re all people making choices, every single day.

Evil often starts small – a “harmless” deception, a convenient turning away, a rationalization that lets us off the hook. We tell ourselves stories: “They deserved it,” “Everyone does it,” “Just this once.”

Goodwill also starts small – a moment of uncomfortable honesty, choosing the harder right over the easier wrong, staying present when walking away would be simpler.

The question isn’t whether you’re capable of evil. You are. We all are. The question is: What are you choosing today?

Here’s the freedom in recognizing this: You’re capable of both cruelty and goodwill, which means you have real agency. You’re not a helpless victim of your “nature.” You’re actively choosing who you become.

This isn’t abstract morality. It’s asking yourself throughout your day:

Am I choosing to make this person’s life harder or easier right now?

Am I choosing honesty or convenient deception?

Am I choosing to help or to harm?

The power is in recognizing: This is always a choice you’re making. Not something that happens to you. Not something you are or are not.

A choice.

Thanks – Michael (he, him)

Please share my Daily with others.
This is also important – Get Attention with Goodwill or Ill Will.

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