vkoodeen asked this question on 4/13/2000:

I have a deep question to you in connection to Scientology doctrine:

Man is basically good.

It means that man is doing all in best interests. Thus he is always right. Thus, everyone is right.

This means that there is no such thing as "wrong".

Please explain from the viewpoint of Scientology/Dianetics!

Thanks in advance!

desertphile gave this response on 4/18/2000:

I think you have seriously missated the Church's position. Yes, man is basically good--- that is, in my opinion, an observed fact. Give a person the opportunity for her or him to meet his or her requirements (a job, clean drinking water, clean environment) and he or she will live in peace with her or his neighbor. Humanity =IS= basically good.

That does NOT mean that humans all act for the good of all, nor that their intents are all good. There are many reasons why humans act destructively, and not all of those reasons are rational. Hate, fear, greed, envy, mental illness (which the Church teaches does not exist), and need are all reasons why people take advantage of each other. That does not negate the fact (my personal belief I should say) that humanity is basically good.

When I write "basically good" I mean the majority. Game Theory teaches us, and is demonstrated valid mathematically, that within any healthy, peacefull society, there will be "cheaters" who will take advantage of the good people. This is an evolutionary trait AND a socieological trait.

Note that this is an "is," not an "ought." I merely point out that it is true, and I am not stating it should be true.

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