What proportion of people are good, decent people, and are you a good person?

[BomboChipolata]

Based on threads we see here, a lot of people seem to be surrounded by awful people. I’d be interested in how people view their circle and how they see themselves.

My own view is that 90% of people are fundamentally good people, but they can be bitter or selfish from time to time. I’d put myself in that category.

how do you view people?

Are you a decent person?
What proportion of people are good people?

I do think that trauma can jolt people who would have wanted to be good and kind into a state where they then enjoy 'bad' behaviours though. Abuse, trafficking, rape, violence - especially in childhood - has the power to fundamentally change the way the brain works.

I don't think those people are bad to their core I think they're damaged and afraid.

I used to be kind, decent, good person.

I reached a point where the accumulation of nasty things/behaviour/betrayal that I had been on the receiving end of changed me.

I would now describe myself as hardened, possibly even harsh. I try to keep away from most other people to avoid them being nasty to me. I am polite to everyone I encounter. But if someone tries it on, they get both barrels and a big shock. I’m 6ft tall and am now capable of being harsh and fierce, thanks to the barrages of shit I’ve dealt with over my lifetime.

I think the “would you shoot someone for £10 million?” question is far more nuanced though.

• I would without hesitation if I thought their death would be a benefit to society - ie they were a child rapist, serial killer etc. Am I really the right judge? - but I would happily judge.
• If they were a random person, I don’t think I would… BUT in reaching this conclusion I did think “how much happier would I be if I had £10 million..?” - so presumably I’m not a purely good person because I even considered it.
• I do believe the study that shows that people only get happier with more money until a fairly low threshold is probably true. Once you have enough money for a decent quality of life, more money seems to have little impact. I’m not rich but I’m also not poor so in considering the question, I’m aware that £10 million probably wouldn’t make my life that much better. Different yes, but better? - I’m happy enough already. Someone in complete poverty would be considering a different proposition and may come to a different conclusion.

I do think there are a lot more people prepared to do very bad things than we sometimes assume though. Societal norms, fear of being found out and punished or judged account for a lot. I’m pretty sure that the % of deaths that are murders has come down consistently decade on decade, century on century since we can monitor. The rate of murder was much higher in medieval times for instance .. People can’t be getting better as people, but society moves on and what is considered normal changes.

I wonder about this.

Funnily enough, I have been watching a few you tubes videos about people going into stores asking people for a few dollars as they have left their wallet/not quite got enough.

I was heartened when a number of people that said yeah it is only 2 dollars. The the guy asking for money turned around gave the money back and gave their $500 dollars as they had been so kind!

Another one asked people on the way out of the store if they had any food he could have. One snotty woman said no, get a job etc etc. Later on a man came out and happily gave him a packet of what we call crisps (chips? in USA). Then this guy turned around and gave the guy $500 and the woman said she changed her mind and would give him something. Too late! He said.

Also some guys would go up to homeless people and ask what would make their day? Several said a meal and they not only got a meal but also a good handout!

There were so many acts of random kindness.

I was homeless for just over a week but never begged (had a job) But I have been guilty of being narky towards them at times. I am striving to do better!

I may not be able to hand over £££ but a few quid here or there would not hurt me!

I am lucky enough to be a good person. Never been short of money so never had to steal. Never been asked by society to kill so never done it. Never been so provoked that I have reacted with violence. Never been damaged by abuse or poverty so my moral compass remains okay. Never wanted to sexually abuse a person, so never done it. This has not been hard for me its just how I am .
Others do much worse than me but try much harder than me to do the right thing. Poor people commit more crime, men are more violent, abused people abuse more, badly patented people are worse parents. Speaking in general of course. Not many of us can claim much credit for how we behave.

Sorry I suppose that was a bit off topic! You meant in my circle?

My ex flat mate would sometimes sub me some money when I was unemployed and waiting for the next money to come in.

Also when I was ill with a lung infection she went out, bought flowers and some items of food.

Also when I had Covid another ex flat mate got me some shopping. I asked and she was happy to do so. Also friends asked .

I have done the same for friends, taken one's mum to hospital appointments when she needed someone to take her etc etc but feel I could be kinder to the world!

Shouting back at people who aren't kind to you isn't bad though. Good doesn't mean weak.

I think most people are mostly good most of the time.

I believe we are different things to different people. So even people who have committed horrible crimes have been good to others at some point.

I think everyone's behaviour would worsen if circumstances meant it needed to for them to survive.