The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Why is man so easily manipulated, swayed, to the will of another, or others? I can think of many examples of this, the Crusades, the rise of fascism, the killing fields of Cambodia, Vietnam and, even the banking Crisis of 2008

All are examples of man’s corruption and degradation of the human spirit. So what I’m curious about is, ‘why are we so easily led, by others?’

Because most people need others to trust and be trusted. We want others to like us so our judgement of whats true and whats fake gets messed up. We know we'll get hurt by that person but we just have a need to trust them anyway

derren brown negative suggestion part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH2MuYyTaGE

We really do need others to trust at some points in time, anyone can manipulate another and backstab them if they choose. Man most of the time depend on other peoples Judgement in which is the main reason why we are easily led.

They can be stupid, like the saying goes man kind is its own destroyer. I am a firm believer in that.

Easy:
The majority of society is composed of weak minded individuals that prefer to take others at their word or live in a fantasy world. I mean listening to the words of others is much easier than making your own decisions, and fantasy is certainly better than personal responsibility.
This question is very funny when you consider the mentality of the patrons of this website.

cause its in human nature. humanity is greedy but no one is the same. everyone can be corrupted in every different ways, money, sex, drugs, vulnerability etc..........

It is how man was "Bred" But we have that dual nature as well. We have the X and Y chromosome. One is the submissive gene the other the ruling gene. We are already pre-programmed if you will...but we are also groomed as we grow.

Political and emotional manipulation especially amongst people of under educated sophistication and many times who live in impoverish circumstances

Two reasons... Patterns of behaviour, and the fact that we are social creatures.

Man is a social creature , it is a manner of survival and being accepted. Everyone at some point needs acceptance even those who are leaders.
Man is so open to suggestion especially when there is a need to fill and to feel, the uneducated even more so.

In spite of mans amazing accomplishments he is still very primitive and cannot be trusted. Man is his own worst enemy and is now living an unnatural existence.

true Ghost, yet the questions persists, why are some more easily manipulated than others...?

why do some ... join a movement, or party... and, not their neighbour??

why does this manipulation, this extrememe advertising if you like, not work on all.. ?

Perhaps because some people are more strong willed and set in their mind about their ideals and beliefs that they aren't swayed as easily by political parties and movements. Maybe it all comes down security and surety of self.

Yes Man is a social creature...But there are those among humanity, men and women that are more of the loner types, the lone wolves that can function without interacting with others....And yes there is that thing called will...that ting which separates humans from other beings in the universe...the ability to say NO or YES or to adjust ones thinking to co-inside with another.
But the social being concept is quite correct as well...it's a tribal thing which has been branded upon the human genetic code as well as the mind through social interaction since birth. Again part of it has to do with the way we are raised/reared into this society.

Those skeletons which are constantly being found in parts of Africa especially, are of those creatures that had been genetically manipulated, these are those beings that escaped the process of rearing man into a being that could be utilized as a laborer for the benefit of those Ancient entities that established the great civilizations of the Ancient world. Thousands of years of civilizations formed by "Higher Beings" to do their bidding, yes bidding...

We are the products of those ancients...but there is always the exception among us...The Spartacus, the Alexander, The Plato, The Socrates, The Imhotep....the little guy who said NO!

I refrain from using the Christ figure because Christ was the product of the "Angel" Gabriel and Mary having physical relations. And if you don't agree with that, that's fine, but the scripture has it in there and you just have to understand what you're reading and use the comparisons given in the old testament...

Anyway...human genetics is constantly changing, humans have not hit that pinnacle where they no longer change inside or out. Realize that 100 years ago people were shorter then in physical stature, so we are constantly evolving through genetics. Person (A) conceives a child by person(B) their genetics may have a special trait that has not been seen in a hundred or so years and it evolves in the child and the child becomes a master musician at the age of 3. If you get my drift then you see where I'm going...humans have genes that lay dormant for hundreds if not thousands of years and then one day...POP...we have a child sitting at the entrance of the Temple explaining the law to learned men the haven't a clue.

It's all genetic...already written upon the genes...with some not having been open yet.

As an empiricist i believe that morals are a result of the nurturing or lack of atmosphere you're reared in. if your parents were hideous people, chances are so will you. there are exceptions. people are corruptible if they see it as normal. later ti becomes a method of gaining advantages. in some people like bernie madoff who obviously knew he was doing wrong, he made a willful choice, to do wrong.

I wouldn't say that just because your parents and their morals were askew, means that you will be as well. yes there is something to be said for learned behaviour but, you can also watch one type of behaviour and know, instinctively that you will never behave like that.

Yes, agree with hunter people are weak and meek, pretty greedy as well. We all know a one child policy is sensible, we all know there should be a hefty tax of having loads of kids, but politicians are too weak. I bet they do nothing, so we can expect lots of revenge ;-)

Enough from you, influence only, no orders.
Of course its true what they say, men are weak and "it is the doom of men that they forget"
Perhaps they will remember, their connection with the land, although I have my doubts. They prefer Gold and private jets, fighting each other. It's actually rather sad.

Contessa, there's a big difference between weakness and meekness. If you're weak you cannot control yourself. Meekness is humility, not to be confused with humiliation. Meek people seem to have more self control which implies strength.

MasterMel, I do think it comes down to definition.
However, I stand by my word, the meek are those who will not stand up unless forced to do so.
The weak are those who will not stand up unless forced to do so.
So, I really hope they inherit the earth, it will be survived by hunters and legends who do not fear the Dark and yes I will be there ; )

Actually, upon reflection you have a good point, the meek ARE FAR WORSE, You know, Bankers who goto the gym but won't help an old lady getting a shoeing.
Talk a good job but piss themselves when the blood runs.

hmmm. man is not in any way corruptible or easily swayed. if we are, none of us will be able to say that we are who we choose to be.

Countess... give me someone meek over the reverse any day. I was bullied for years and, when I stopped being meek, all that frustration and rage nearly led to death. Aggression and greed, such as that found in 'the city' is in part what led to the crash... so the bankers and the like are good, in preference to the 'terrible' meek'??? Aw c'mon... I'm so-pleased I can't understand your point of view...

"Meek" is an outdated word for "gentle."

It is strange that a woman would prefer someone who is overbearing and violent. As opposed to someone who is gentle.

Gentle does not in ANY WAY mean weak.

I believe it deals with the "herd mentality" it has been prevalent in society for centuries and I believe those who are seeking some sort of validation go to the head of the class. They want to be looked upon as the one in the know, or a leader. I have something on it in this profile journal or my other one I put in there awhile back. A small version of this is cliques, you see it here where some people can do no wrong because they are popular even when they are clearly out of line by things they are saying and/or doing once in awhile. Here is a definition from wikipedia. They were asking for some citations but whoever put it in there had the correct information because I have read it elsewhere, maybe not in the exact words but an approximation.

"Herd mentality describes how people are influenced by their peers to adopt certain behaviors, follow trends, and/or purchase items. Examples of the herd mentality include stock market trends, fashions in apparel, cars, taste in music, home décor, etc. Social psychologists study the related topics of group intelligence, crowd wisdom, and decentralized decision making.

Herd behavior is distinguished from herd mentality because it applies to all animals, whereas the term mentality implies a uniquely human phenomenon. Herd mentality implies a fear-based reaction to peer pressure which makes individuals act in order to avoid feeling "left behind" from the group. Herd mentality is also sometimes known as "mob mentality." (wiki)

It's also known as "crowd mentality" as well.

From a study, here is an excerpt.

"Scientists at the University of Leeds believe they may have found why humans flock like sheep and birds, subconsciously following a minority of individuals.

Researchers discovered that it takes a minority of just five per cent to influence a crowd’s direction – and that the other 95 per cent follow without realizing it."

More information is here:
http://psychcentral.com/news/2008/02/15/herd-mentality-explained/1922.html

There is also more information on the paper that was written on the topic and where you can read it.

I believe in part it is because they do not believe themselves capable of making sound decisions; and/or are too lazy to try.

Many of the above comments made very valid points about genetics, and herd mentality.

I draw my conclusions on a similar concept of the earlier mention of Will.

The capability to take the calculated risk to act in what we view to be the most logical/reasonable/rational way for the benefit of ourselves and/or others exists within each human being (perhaps with the exclusion of the occasional mentality deficient persons.)

Most however, do possess a learned behavior, most likely accompanied by a latent instinctual drive, to allow another to take on that responsibility for them.

I like the way that it was put, a tribal mindset comes into play.

Such and such is "alpha," they are superior to me in these ways: others look up to them, they are prettier/more handsome than I, they drive a better car, are more successful in blah blah blah standards; and thereby have a higher standing.

No matter how stupid their suggestion seems to me, they MUST have the best interests of the "tribe" in mind *slapping my own forehead* and I might be ostracized from the group if I disobey.

(Individual commences possibly reluctant, but more often than not enthusiastic, obedience.)

And as much as most of us would like to think we are immune, if you are truly honest with yourself, you probably fall slave to societal convention at least a dozen times a day or more.

While it is modernly stupid for the most part, because the majority of the time, following the lead of a percieved "alpha" is far less related to survival, and moreso to obeying "fashion law" in this day and age; it does occasionally serve a purpose.

For instance, knowing that there can be costly societal consequences to committing mass murder does occasionally stop someone from committing the blunder and just letting loose with high explosives. Thereby protecting said individual from the consequences of the actions.

There can be instinctual reasonsings to "following the herd," even now.

The trick, I think, is evoluting to the point that folk reason with the instincts vs simply acting upon them.

One thing is for sure, economics does have a lot to do with it. In my experience the most easily manipulated folks are the poor. The manipulators are the rich

I would agree to a point. For the vast majority this is true, however... it's always the individual who fights back that stands out.

However this does not answer the question as to WHY this person stands out.

A lot of it deals with brain washing. We are easily tricked into believing in something. We as an individual are always after something to believe in. Once we enter into this belief we are so in tune with the belief that we can be lead to believe in anything. Hence why through out history we have these large gathering of ppl going on quests or doing something in somebodies name.

some people were made to be leaders but most will always be followers. Some leaders have a desire to do good others evil. Great leaders have this skill to make ppl believe in them and do their beckoning no matter how good or evil.

am still pole-axed at someone faulting the meek...

Heck... it's not the meek who I think are the corruptors, they're [[generalization]] those with power and, the desire to use and abuse it.

I'm sorry but I don't want to be an emperor. That's not my business. I don't want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone if possible; Jew, Gentile, black men, white. We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each others' happiness, not by each other's misery. We don't want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way.

Greed has poisoned men's souls; has barricaded the world with hate; has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge as made us cynical; our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost. The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in man; cries out for universal brotherhood; for the unity of us all.

Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world, millions of despairing men, women, and little children, victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people. To those who can hear me, I say "Do not despair." The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed, the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.

Soldiers! Don't give yourselves to brutes, men who despise you and enslave you; who regiment your lives, tell you what to do, what to think and what to feel! Who drill you, diet you, treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder! Don't give yourselves to these unnatural men---machine men with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are men! You have a love of humanity in your hearts! You don't hate! Only the unloved hate; the unloved and the unnatural.

Soldiers! Don't fight for slavery! Fight for liberty! In the seventeenth chapter of St. Luke, it’s written “the kingdom of God is within man”, not one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you! You, the people, have the power, the power to create machines, the power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then in the name of democracy, let us use that power.

Let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work, that will give youth a future and old age a security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie! They do not fulfill their promise. They never will! Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people! Now let us fight to fulfill that promise! Let us fight to free the world! To do away with national barriers! To do away with greed, with hate and intolerance! Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men’s happiness.

Soldiers, in the name of democracy, let us all unite!

[Huge hurray from the huge crowd – scene changes to Hanna (Paulette Goddard) a refugee on the floor with eyes still in tears from having been beaten down by the Dictator’s soldiers. Romantic string music in the background. Hanna’s beautiful face and eyes are in awe as to how her Jewish barber friend who was imprisoned by the Dictator’s troops is not speaking as the Great Dictator!]

Hanna, can you hear me? Wherever you are, look up Hanna! The clouds are lifting! The sun is breaking through! We are coming out of the darkness into the light! We are coming into a new world; a kind new world, where men will rise above their hate, their greed, and brutality. Look up, Hanna! The soul of man has been given wings and at last he is beginning to fly. He is flying into the rainbow. Into the light of hope! Into the future! The glorious future! That belongs to you, to me, and to all of us. Look up, Hanna! Look up!


Sir Charles Chaplin...

not all men wish to help others... look to the one who talked so ill of the meek... their words exemplify my discord with their ilk...

good and evil have always existed in one form or another and humans have expanded them, while good and evil, predators and prey are natural. corruption is a human creation as its not about good or evil but selfishness, greed and power.
manipulation is nearly universal too as non-man animals can manipulate as does dogs with their owners.
corruption is of the heart and its a weakness. humans use it to their advantage and to sway others by appealing to their deepest desires or promising to protect them from their darkest fears.

you should know by now that life is a game and everyone are just pawns.

Society views poverty as a threat, and when means are presented to counter being impoverished there are those who are more likely to accept those means. The real sign of a corrupted individual is how far they go in sustaining the practices that are unscrupulous.

or how we allow the unscrupulous to flourish?

We seek to become what we feel we are not and in this endeavor become corrupted because we fail to act within our nature.

am afraid I disagree. some, not all... become corrupted VERY easily... an might I suggest, it is because that it was their nature, to be so.

either it was in their nature or whatever corrupted them was stronger than they were, corruption is another form of power and control. once its got something someone deeply wants...then its simply hooking and reeling in.

aye... but those who seek power over a coporation don't nevessarily become corrupted, no do all those politicians; yet some do... and that's the crux of it, I feel.

Why are some in a given position 'naturally' corruptible, whilst others are not?

If one's actions are honest, one does not need the predated confidence of others, only their rational perception.

Thought is a weapon one uses in order to act... Thought is the tool by which one makes a choice... Thought sets one's purpose and the way to reach it.

A circle... is the movement proper to physical nature... but the straight line is the badge of man, the straight line of a geometrical abstraction that makes roads, rails and bridges, the straight line that cuts the curving aimlessness of nature by a purposeful motion from a start to an end.

Through all the centuries of the worship of the mindless, whatever stagnation humanity chose to endure, whatever brutality to practice–it was only by the grace of the men who perceived that wheat must have water in order to grow, that stones laid in a curve will form an arch, that two and two make four, that love is not served by torture and life is not fed by destruction–only by the grace of those men did the rest of them learn to experience moments when they caught the spark of being human.


Just a few ideas to reflect upon

life is not fed by men, mankind are not gods nor are masters of this planet, they are not responsible for creation of the world or the course of nature, in fact they are destroying it with selfishness and corruption. they are animals just like the rest, the only difference is that they not pure and are sentient and refuse to believe they are animals. humans gave birth to corruption,.there is no grace in humanity, they are just parasites that are sucking the life out of nature and the planet itself. this world is stagnating because humanity refuses to allow nature to take its course.

Another idea to reflect upon the purpose of stone bridges with that all so grand arch and roads originally was to allow military might to move faster and further. It wasn't some spiritual monk guru trying to be an inspiration to humanity.

Just something to reflect on.

Well fi people were gods i can imagine the conflicts that would happen

having seen much of the worst of what can be, I also see the beauty in the actions of a few... not all are corruptible; and these men, not Gods, are not special, they are just men. Ergo, I maintain, the corrupted and corruptors, are weak, being as malleable as they are.

OUTSTANDING!!!

You have just answered for yourselves the most correct form of the an answer governing the Naturally corruptible...the veld between the vast expanse of mans nature and his learned abilities and accepted consequences of his law which separates him from that of the natural governance of the universe.

Please, please reflect upon the that which is so simply manipulated and that which has no other choice than to follow the course of its pre defined destiny.

BRAVO

**chortles**

so appreciate such discourse... tho hardly clarifies the demeaning manner of the corrupted toward the incorruptible?

only someone of strong will or has no desires such as power, wealth and comfort can be incorruptible as there is nothing to lure them nor there is anything to lose their head in. i'm one of the such as i believe in pure chaos, the way of nature and free will. i do enjoy power but only for the change and chaos and not for order and control. but i have no desire for wealth or control.
the other kind that can resist corruption will be the truly selfless ones, who think about others first. some people do have a pre-disposition to corruption. humans are also natural survivalists and would do anything to survive and make their life worth something.

pure chaos? but nature is balance, surely the two are mutually incompatible?

the latter remarks, in hindsight, are very contradictory, y'know??? [[read through twice.]]

we are, or not, corruptible?

I maintain, the majority are ... yet, there are exceptions and, they make the rule, rather than break it.

Here's a short simple answer.

Stupidity :)
Proving that they must be followers and not leaders in today's society.
Almost all humans just want success and power which would basically lead to them "jumping on the band-wagon" and following others.

a natural balance is 70% or 65% chaos and 30 or 35% order, the whole world itself and some animals are chaotic but in other animals there is a hierarchy and a form of order. wolf packs are a good example. contradiction can be a part of chaos as its disorderly, but what i say is true if hard to understand.

chaos and order(animal packs etc) is natural but as i am trying to say, corruption is not, its a human creation made worse by the introduction of currency and power positions.
most humans want money regardless of their reasons and its through that want that they can be corrupted.

was thinking on my own question earlier ~ and, how many times has an actor or popstar been heard to say, "I'll not enter politics..." and then, when they do, it's all "the people asked me."

ROLLOCKS... their ego's listened to their backers is what.

rich as they are.. the kudos of power corrupts.

I think it was their egos to begin with although one exception to me would be Al Franken, whose really been a champion in my opinion.

just thinking: the ideal politician to have serve, would be the one who doesn't actually want the job.

he's the incorruptible.

Until he gets a taste of the power or starts to negotiate with other politicians to get certain bills through congress like a I scratch your back you scratch mine deal that is probably the most likely corrupter of the guy who didn't want the job. No one is incorruptible everyone just has a different pressure point.

Perhaps it truly is in man's nature to behave in such a way. Like all animals, we too have our instincts. Instincts to be curious, gain strength, and use our power to fight for what we think we believe in.

Instinct is the best adviser you can have. Ever notice when you go against it you always seem to get screwed?

...Because some people learn the trade of controlling the emotion and feelings of others, and after that, is control of the brain. Also, most of the controlled are people without individuality or courage to face life, and by depending in others, they have to do less, at cost of their freedom!!

... how many politicians talk of 'leaving a legacy?'
Bush said it, Blair said it... and each of them, are sorted for Life... 'the corrupted.'

I'm wondering....has this thread not already defined it's cause in clear enough terms?

But then again...it's an awakening thought that should further be entertained, for there is still a lingering filament of an idea that has not yet been explored.

Keep the posts coming...there is still more to learn.

Unfortunately not enough people use their instinct and reasoning properly. They're led purely by emotionalism

Biblethumpers would have you believe that corruption occurs because the voice of the devil whispers evil ideas into the thoughts of man. Really, what it boils down to is that a person or group of people genuinely believe they have total control over another population. Each time, excuses are made shortly thereafter. It's been a fairly predictable cycle throughout human history.

... for me, I still am curious as to why two people placed in the same position of power will act differently.

... why is one 'naturally corruptible, whilst the other is not?

it depends on their inner desires, if one deep down and despite their benevolent exterior wishes to improve their own life then they would use said power to make their own life comfortable even at the cost of others, if a person truly desires to try and make the world better then he or she will be either incorruptible or just harder to fall.

i read somewhere and i'm not sure if its true but it says politicians have to be amoral and think of themselves and positions first, its apparently like a rule or something, its not the exact wording i think but it said something like that and with most corrupt people we have seen in the past few years it seems to be quite true. its like politicians try and ensure that future members will not be idealists, its like they trying to keep the world as gray as possible.

whereas the cynic in me totally agrees, there were the Great Reformers, people with power, who wrought change, often to the benefit of a minority, over a majority. the manunision act, for one.

getting kids outta chimneys, for another...

votes for women...

a thought.

Nomina dubia. That is about the complete sum of man according to the words of the ancients who ruled over man in the beginning. But man overcame his Overlords and began to mimic their overpowering nature. Man took on the persona of his "gods." But man didn't realize that corruptibility was a thing he could not change in his nature...man can not control his ego when absolute power is wielded by his Y chromosome. It may sleep for a time...but when it is awakened it becomes like the sleeping dragon who when raised from his hibernation before the given time, becomes a ravenous soul seeking destroyer with tunnel vision....Actually I was just trying out the color codes but it seemed like a good idea in general to post a thought askew.

to Angelus, yes there are a few idealists out there but we both know what is the larger group or at least which one of them holds the power.. its a very gray world and a few idealists is not enough, more needs to happen, action needs to be taken. but you are right a few changes did happen but it is small and insignificant compared to the more constricting changes the government imposes, their grip is ever tightening.


to the above, you speak of "the hunger" i have it also, I'm immune to corruption due to my evil and chaotic nature and my set of pure goals but i do have a hunger, its for chaos, destruction and for the power to change the world into a more...primitive state... at least in terms of tribes and near lawlessness. yes, i know tribes had their own rules but they never imposed order on most of the world, just their own small territory and each tribe had its own unique system of doing things but they all obeyed their natural instinct to hunt and kill.

if the altruists were only just in the minority, the majority would sway them... as an ongoing minority, there always seem to be those who are 'pure' ... well, compared to 'them'... and, they persist, over the decades, the persist. Why?

because, although man maybe feted by a corruptible nature, there is within him, a divine spark of goodness.

in some... that is.

some humans have an unbreakable will and that is why the minority survive because their belief in what they are doing is so strong that it cannot be broken. survival is what humans do best even if it has to cost of the world.

In my own opinion it the fact that their naturally submissive and feel that they need approval or trust.

Look at the Borgia Popes and that entire Family. They corrupted the church for years.

... spent ages, while edging a lawn, musing on how Maslow's hierachy of Need fit in with this question. I mean, at one point does someone aspire to be corrpted?

i know that some people who give up on themselves and have nothing to lose will do anything no matter how low, although these kind are not truly corrupt as they care nothing for themselves.

i guess what makes people corrupted is their heart and what's in it. desire, greed, hunger for power etc, they can be very deep to the point of being invisible and that person seems decent until he or she gets into a position of power.

...and yet, THERE ARE people who act the reverse. And, that anomaly just doesn't sit well, with me. Little hear thus far, explains why one man is warped by power, while another ... is not.

Back to Maslow??

humans come in all shapes and sizes, its not unbelievable that one person can be corrupted and another can't, its all depends on the person and their will and heart. one can be evil, sadistic and power-hungry but doesn't care for themselves and seeks a more pure world, another could be good, friendly and polite but care only about themselves.
good and evil are natural and thus not limited to the "self" corruption however, is always self-serving.

Good would use power to make a better world and bring joy.
Evil would use power to either destroy or cause destruction in the world or in my case spread chaos and evil.
Corruption would use power just to benefit one-self and only that, they corrupt others to benefit themselves as well.

I believe though as long as we have an unfair capitalistic system we'll continue to have corruptible systems and people running them.

as long as there is a system there will be corruption and/or oppression.

What I find really amazing is that people, especially certain Americans will believe anything w/o independent research. if it sounds good, this must be true.

People scheme to gain leverage, thats how confidence artist rely on. The most effective cons are the ones that promise big rewards for bending the rules, half the victims of such cons seldom come forward. There is a rush that people get when they step outside the laws.

I still find difficulty getting my head round so many 'rich' people... wanting more, always more: man cannot have perpetual growth... yet, so many seek it, at the expense of others.

Breaking human laws does not bother me as i care not for it, but corruption is a human creation that sickens the world.
Humans are greedy creatures, they always want more than they already have which they take for granted. The poor can be as bad as the rich, once a hungry poor person gets enough money, he realises that food and shelter is not the only thing he can buy.

that's called aspirational: a trait found in all, rich and poor alike... I can understand it... what I can't undertsand is greed per se.

why do the rich... want more? alway's more.

they don't need it.

some find it hard to be alone and not be acceptedby others.and some are stong and dont need anybody else.people arealways told that different is wrong or isnt good enough...so they try to change.....some will stay how they are and be an example for the weak

the incorruptible an example for the weak?
I think... they could be considered an example, to those who think they are strong.

Thats an easy one we live to benefit ourselves and we will ultimately stop at nothing to do that at what ever cost that maybe. Thats the reason were all human to begin with, humans just like all other living creatures on this planet live to benefit themselves thats why this world will truely never see peace becuase someone will always feel they deserve more than there neighboor

Yes but animal do what they do for survival. People do what they for survival but also profit monetarily. Animals will also share food from a hunt. This is once again a learned behaviour. And this is also where corruption comes in.

where is the idea of altruism in this human nature you speak of?

What fate awaits the corrupted? Isolation. What fate awaits the generous? Alliances. So is the corrupted person truly better of than the generous person? Material excess has been a major factor in society that it is ingrained in our behavior, and instinct .

altruism is also a learned behaviour as well as the others Animals do what they do for survival. Greed is something we learn. Animals do not hoard thing, hide valuables or incorporate things that purposely hurt others. They usually work for the benefit of the pack, so to speak. People are taught to work for themselves first, in modern societies. In tribal societies they work for communal benefit. We could learn something from that.

The alpha dog gets first morsel, and first option to mate, and they are very insulted by any other pack member that attempts breaks that code. There are birds that feed each other, and it is more so a sign of dominance then it is an act of charity.

it is in each of us to lead and to follow
Milgram's experiments characterize how willing we are to disobey our base impulses on the whims of someone we consider to be 'in charge'. Really all it takes is some form of superior appearance, dominance like Dabs said.
We're so easily led because we're so eager to follow

**laughs**

maybe Cabrion. but ... definitely not all of us.
The idea of following herd mentality is.. for me at least, quite repugnant, as it infers I cannot think for myself...

and, I can.

I believe most people need to be accepted by others, and because of this need, they are willing to do anything that is asked of them, whether it is right or wrong.

I believe in some cases of war, people are at times subjugated or forced into following someone with an authoritative voice. It's either DO or DIE.
People generally look to others for guidance, or thinking that by following such people, it is to benefit themselves in some way.
Sometimes people just sound too good, and most of the time, they are too good to be true. It is sad really when people do not take the time to stop and think about which we give that power or control to and some cases there is not much of a choice in the pickings of who we want to carry such power, and trust they will use it wisely.
It is much like a village choosing someone to be the chief or head of it. We have to respect who we allow to hold such a position, but that respect doesn't come so easily.
So it's not always the case of people choosing to be the sheep or follow others. It also depends on the situation or reasons behind WHY they do it.

We are not led solely by people.
Please think on this for a while, maybe my post will be more applicable to your life.

angel and legion these are good points as well. We all need to feel accepted if not loved, and this situation brings up the desire to belong to someone/something even if it's reprehensible

Do you think we can be corrupted by others? Or do we corrupt ourselves?

many are led... but to talk of leaders and followers is disengenuous.

it is the herd mentality that allows people to be smanouvred... why choose that?

One needs to adopt a cold demeanor to carry with corruption. It comes in the form of invitation, the further one advances the more ruthless they become, they become dependent on the graft, all the while burning bridges and social character.

This thread has been automatically closed for length.