People of the Lie

1. Evil is the use of power to destroy others for self-preservation

Evil is that force, residing either inside or outside of human beings, that seeks to kill life or liveliness.

Defining evil. Evil is not merely the absence of good, but an active force that opposes life and growth. It manifests as the unnecessary destruction of others, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. This destruction is often carried out to maintain a false self-image of perfection or to avoid acknowledging one's own imperfections.

Characteristics of evil:

• Consistent destructive behavior
• Scapegoating of others
• Refusal to acknowledge personal flaws
• Extreme intolerance to criticism
• Concern with maintaining a respectable public image

Evil people are not necessarily criminals or obvious monsters. They often appear as ordinary individuals, even pillars of the community. The key lies in their subtle but persistent pattern of destructive behavior towards others.

2. Narcissism and willfulness are at the core of human evil

Malignant narcissism is characterized by an unsubmitted will.

The evil will. At the heart of evil lies an extreme form of narcissism combined with an unsubmitted will. Evil individuals refuse to subordinate their desires to any higher authority or principle, whether it be God, truth, love, or the needs of others. This refusal stems from an inability to tolerate any sense of personal imperfection or limitation.

Characteristics of malignant narcissism:

• Grandiose sense of self-importance
• Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success or power
• Belief in one's own specialness
• Need for constant admiration
• Sense of entitlement
• Interpersonal exploitation
• Lack of empathy
• Envy of others
• Arrogant behaviors and attitudes

This extreme narcissism leads evil individuals to view others as mere objects to be manipulated for their own benefit. They are unable to form genuine relationships based on mutual respect and empathy.

3. Evil people are masters of deception, especially self-deception

The evil create for those under their dominion a miniature sick society.

The lie of evil. Evil individuals are consummate liars, not only to others but especially to themselves. They construct elaborate systems of self-deception to avoid confronting their own flaws and the pain of self-examination. This self-deception then extends outward, creating a distorted reality for those around them.

Mechanisms of deception:

• Projection of one's own faults onto others
• Rationalization of harmful behaviors
• Denial of responsibility
• Creation of a false, idealized self-image
• Manipulation of others' perceptions

The "people of the lie" maintain their deceptions through a combination of charm, intimidation, and gaslighting. They often surround themselves with individuals who are willing to participate in their distorted version of reality, creating a toxic environment that perpetuates their evil.

4. Laziness and the refusal to suffer lead to evil actions

The difficulty we have in accepting responsibility for our behavior lies in the desire to avoid the pain of the consequences of that behavior.

The path of least resistance. Evil often arises from a fundamental laziness and unwillingness to endure the necessary suffering that comes with growth and self-improvement. This laziness manifests as a refusal to engage in self-examination, to acknowledge personal faults, or to make difficult moral choices.

Consequences of moral laziness:

• Avoidance of personal responsibility
• Scapegoating of others
• Resistance to change and growth
• Perpetuation of harmful patterns of behavior
• Inability to learn from mistakes

By refusing to face the pain of self-awareness and moral struggle, evil individuals choose the path of least resistance, which inevitably leads to the destruction of themselves and others. True goodness requires the courage to face one's own imperfections and the willingness to endure the discomfort of personal growth.

5. Group evil arises from specialization and diffusion of responsibility

Any group will remain inevitably potentially conscienceless and evil until such time as each and every individual holds himself or herself directly responsible for the behavior of the whole group.

The danger of specialization. Group evil often emerges from the fragmentation of conscience that occurs in highly specialized organizations. When individuals are assigned narrow roles and responsibilities, it becomes easy for them to abdicate moral responsibility for the actions of the group as a whole.

Factors contributing to group evil:

• Diffusion of responsibility
• Dehumanization of outsiders
• Conformity to group norms
• Obedience to authority
• Peer pressure

The My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War serves as a stark example of how ordinary individuals can participate in extraordinary evil when operating within a specialized group context. To prevent such atrocities, it is essential that each member of a group maintain a sense of personal moral responsibility for the actions of the whole.

6. Exorcism can be an effective treatment for possession in rare cases

Exorcism is psychotherapy by massive assault.

The reality of possession. While rare, genuine cases of demonic possession do occur and can be effectively treated through the process of exorcism. This process involves a confrontation between the possessed individual, a team of exorcists, and the possessing entity, with the goal of expelling the demonic presence.

Key aspects of exorcism:

• Requires a team approach
• Involves intense prayer and ritual
• Can be physically and emotionally demanding
• Relies on the power of faith and love
• Must be approached with caution and ethical considerations

Exorcism should be viewed as a last resort, undertaken only after thorough psychiatric evaluation and when all other treatment options have been exhausted. It carries significant risks and should only be performed by trained and experienced practitioners.

7. Preventing evil requires constant self-examination and moral courage

Mental health is an ongoing process of dedication to reality at all costs.

The challenge of goodness. Preventing evil, both in individuals and in groups, requires a commitment to ongoing self-examination and the courage to face uncomfortable truths. This process involves cultivating empathy, taking responsibility for one's actions, and being willing to challenge unjust systems and practices.

Steps to prevent evil:

• Develop self-awareness through regular introspection
• Cultivate empathy and compassion for others
• Question authority and think critically
• Take responsibility for personal and collective actions
• Resist the temptation to scapegoat or dehumanize others
• Engage in ongoing moral education and growth

By maintaining a dedication to reality and a willingness to confront our own imperfections, we can work to prevent the spread of evil in ourselves and in society. This requires constant vigilance and the courage to speak truth to power, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular to do so.

Last updated: January 22, 2025