The Dichotomy of Good and Bad: Rethinking Our Approach to Human Behavior

An Oversimplification That Can Lead to Harmful Consequences.

Illustrations by the Author.

“Mankind is not likely to salvage civilization unless he can evolve a system of good and evil which is independent of heaven and hell.” — George Orwell

We’ve always been fascinated by the dichotomy of good and bad. Stories, movies, books, and even countries are seen through that light. Of course, we see humans through that lens too.

And most people, if you ask them, would say that there are good people and bad people. 

But is this true? Can we categorize people in such a simplistic way? Are there many tones of gray and color instead of only black and white? Good and bad?