Everyday Evil: Examining Unconscious Behaviours

Often, we think of evil as a singular villain—someone who seeks power with a relentless drive to dominate or who commits serious wrongdoing. However, this perspective overlooks a more nuanced understanding of the collective shadow that resides within all of us.

It is crucial to recognize that even minor, everyday actions can unintentionally cause harm in our personal and professional relationships. We may not always appreciate the extent of our influence on those around us and the profound impact our behaviours can have on others’ lives.

Examples of everyday evil include gossip, social ostracization, mobbing, passive-aggressive behaviours, biases, projections, abuses of power, displaced anger or aggression, selfishness, entitlement, callousness, and a lack of respect for healthy boundaries. Even well-meaning individuals can inadvertently cause serious distress and harm through such behaviours.

Moreover, toxic and rigid social hierarchies, classism, and discriminatory core beliefs can contribute to the dehumanization of others.

In our daily lives, many of us have witnessed or experienced subtle forms of oppression and abuses of power that highlight the importance of personal freedom. Each person is a unique expression of the Universe, and freedom along with self-expression enables us to thrive as individuals while also expanding our collective awareness together.

In relationships, we often face a choice between love and connection or power; power is an addiction, while love is the cure.

HUMAN RIGHTS

Human rights are reciprocal, meaning that every single human being must have the same equal rights. Problems arise when we dehumanize specific people or groups, failing to recognize the worth of each and every individual and their complex emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual dimensions.

How we treat others, particularly the most vulnerable, becomes a fundamental part of our identity—both individually and as a society. Simultaneously, our ability to treat others with compassion and respect is heavily influenced by how we treat ourselves.

Engaging in fearless self-exploration and nurturing self-awareness can serve as powerful antidotes to the everyday evils we might inadvertently perpetuate. For example, individuals struggling with internal shame and insecurity may find themselves, albeit unintentionally, criticizing or belittling others.

Contributing to a better world begins within ourselves.

It is vital that we acknowledge our capacity for cognitive biases and errors in judgment. Regularly examining our behaviours and choices can help ensure that they align with our core values and deepest priorities. When encountering new situations or individuals, we can strive to perceive them as blank canvases, inviting possibilities for growth and connection.

A thoughtful question to reflect on is, “Am I promoting division or connection in my interactions with others?”