Firstly, we know as a fact that all extremes of emotions and thoughts are present within each Human Being and that life is the course we navigate through the spectrum of possibilities. Usually it is a case of moderation, or the middle way (which in a sense is quite boring).

However, a series of circumstances may occur that pushes us towards the extremes; an example of this would be if we were attacked. This could be physically, emotionally or mentally. We might then manifest uncharacteristic behaviour and lose control. The mind appears to lose grip on the emotions and they just run riot.

The other factor is peer/group pressure; we know how powerful this can be. It is as if we can abdicate our responsibilities for our actions because we are now a part of a collective. Our individuality has been swallowed up and the group has a consciousness of its own.

In science we come across events that really should not happen. A classic example of this is radioactivity. Particles within the nucleus mathematically should not be able to escape. But they do because of a quirk of Nature called quantum theory, which allows what we might refer to as “wild cards” to be played (see article on Free Will). For the event to occur the “wild cards” have to be played in a way that statistically is virtually impossible. However time is not limited and the dealer can have as many goes as they wish, so eventually the right combination will occur. Sometimes this will take millions of years….but it does happen….occasionally.

So it seems to be with people, all things are possible, but it is likely to take an extreme set of circumstances, which might include being part of a large group. Under these conditions where not only is the individual in uncharted waters but the group as a whole, pretty much anything can happen!

So looking at the example of say, Adolf Hitler and the Nazis, they managed to deviate so far from the accepted norm, that we find it impossible to accept their behaviour as human. However, if we look at them as individuals within a more normal environment, they were probably “good blokes”. I bet their Mothers would agree with me on that one.

If we look at the Jews and Gypsies that suffered at their hands, that is also hard to come to terms with. But again, if we observe people in what we would generally consider as less extreme circumstances, such as loss of a loved one, or maybe a job they could perhaps suffer more than those who were incarcerated in the concentration camps. They had camaraderie, they experienced love; their problems were mostly physical. Please note this point is only made to try and see things from a different perspective not in any way to be dispassionate.

Who can say whether one type of pain is worse than another?

Also our judgement tends to be warped by the magnitude of an event. Because, when so many people suffer collectively, we tend to think that the individual suffering is greater!

Finally, in the great scheme of things, it really doesn’t seem to matter; if we accept reincarnation as a principle, then we return to the Spiritual Realms more experienced but not ultimately damaged.
(N)

From the Lords of Light:

This subject of good and evil is one which fascinates humankind and is never far from people’s thoughts.

Do Souls actually incarnate to be evil?

Not especially, it’s more to do with their Karmic recompense. They would plan their lives with their Guides and certain aspects of their future life would be shown to them.

People are not born evil, but as shown to be the case many times over, the choices they make and the circumstances of their existence can lead to evil tendencies.