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You eventually realize that it's next to impossible to hate someone when, if you were born into their situation, with their genetics, their environment, their c

You eventually realize that it's next to impossible to hate someone when, if you were born into their situation, with their genetics, their environment, their condition, you would very likely have done the same exact thing. There's a tragic amount of predetermination in life.

adekok 10y ago
Studies show that there is a large correlation between genetics and life outcome. i.e. when treated badly, most people will end up bad, some won't. When treated well, most people will end up good, some won't. There are people who are pre-disposed to do bad things, no matter what. There are people who are pre-disposed to do good things, no matter what. See the stories about Romanian orphans for how a bad system can turn most people into functioning sociopaths: http://www.livescience.com/21778-early-neglect-alters-kids-brains.html http://www.livescience.com/21778-early-neglect-alters-kids-b... Yet some still turn out OK.
anigbrowl 10y ago
You might, but then again you might choose not to. I reject the idea that it's just predetermination, that undermines the concept of agency. I come from a similar or possibly worse background, I find Brievik's problems extremely relatable and thus find him extremely interesting on a personal level. On the other hand I've never initiated violence against anyone else, even though I'm a long way from being a pacifist. I have a code of conduct and while it hasn't profited it me much in material terms at least I derive moral satisfaction from it.
melq 10y ago
I don't disagree with your basic premise, and cannot even fathom what its like to have your formative years defined by such tragic and insurmountable circumstances... That being said, there are a lot (probably a considerable majority) of people who have gone through the same or worse, and never commit an act comparable to the methodical slaughter of 70+ innocent strangers.

adekok 10y ago

Studies show that there is a large correlation between genetics and life outcome. i.e. when treated badly, most people will end up bad, some won't. When treated well, most people will end up good, some won't. There are people who are pre-disposed to do bad things, no matter what. There are people who are pre-disposed to do good things, no matter what. See the stories about Romanian orphans for how a bad system can turn most people into functioning sociopaths: http://www.livescience.com/21778-early-neglect-alters-kids-brains.html http://www.livescience.com/21778-early-neglect-alters-kids-b... Yet some still turn out OK.

anigbrowl 10y ago

You might, but then again you might choose not to. I reject the idea that it's just predetermination, that undermines the concept of agency. I come from a similar or possibly worse background, I find Brievik's problems extremely relatable and thus find him extremely interesting on a personal level. On the other hand I've never initiated violence against anyone else, even though I'm a long way from being a pacifist. I have a code of conduct and while it hasn't profited it me much in material terms at least I derive moral satisfaction from it.

melq 10y ago

I don't disagree with your basic premise, and cannot even fathom what its like to have your formative years defined by such tragic and insurmountable circumstances... That being said, there are a lot (probably a considerable majority) of people who have gone through the same or worse, and never commit an act comparable to the methodical slaughter of 70+ innocent strangers.