The criminal mind

Does everyone have a criminal mind, but most of us keep it under control ? What I mean is do most people think about doing non legal things but never act on it. Or givin the right opportunity would a lot more act on it ? If I found a bag of money in the woods I fear I would keep it, and not take it to the police. What would you do ?

Originally posted by buckky
Does everyone have a criminal mind, but most of us keep it under control ? What I mean is do most people think about doing non legal things but never act on it. Or givin the right opportunity would a lot more act on it ? If I found a bag of money in the woods I fear I would keep it, and not take it to the police. What would you do ?

Well, crime is defined by the law, which is defined by general morality. What is a crime in one country isn't in another. Driving over the legal speed limit is a crime, but most people do it anyway.

There are many laws, and to say people are born and their minds automatically fall within the parameters of these laws will be quite ludicrous. We are conditioned throughout our lives to not act on criminal thoughts.

Therefore, I would say that people will quite regularly think of doing non-legal things but don't act on it because of the law (if they are aware that it isn't legal).

The law isn't perfect, so it all goes down to thinking about the consequences and your own personal morality. If I found a bag full of money, I will like to think I could hand it in if I know it can be traced back to the original owner (and I trust that the police will actively try and get it back to that person). Potentially the person who is missing it could suffer a great deal for not having it. It will be for some purpose. If I don't believe the money could get back (i.e. nothing identifyable with the bag, or the money is on its own), I would keep it.

I am guessing that because you posted this in Spirituality, you are considering some religious aspect. In my case, religion wouldn't be relevant at all.

I beleive that we all have a "dark side" or potential to break the law whether civil or God's. Wasn't it St. Paul who said I do what I would not do and don't do what I would... or something to that effect. I know that my mind goes places I would never allow my body to follow and I do try and control my mind, but it slips away at times. By the way I did find a bag of money once - several thousands of dollars that had been dropped out side of a bank night deposit... I put it in the deposit quickly!
Ed

Originally posted by buckky
Does everyone have a criminal mind, but most of us keep it under control ? What I mean is do most people think about doing non legal things but never act on it. Or givin the right opportunity would a lot more act on it ? If I found a bag of money in the woods I fear I would keep it, and not take it to the police. What would you do ?

What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written,
“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”

Speaking for myself, if not for my religious beliefs and fear of repurcussions, there are people (very few) that I would like to "escort into their afterlife". But I don't do this because it's not Christian.

Originally posted by buckky
Does everyone have a criminal mind, but most of us keep it under control ? What I mean is do most people think about doing non legal things but never act on it. Or givin the right opportunity would a lot more act on it ? If I found a bag of money in the woods I fear I would keep it, and not take it to the police. What would you do ?

I'd tell the cops where to find it and not touch the damned thing.

Or didn't you watch "No Country for Old Men?"

Be sure to watch that movie, then ask again.

Originally posted by buckky
Does everyone have a criminal mind, but most of us keep it under control ? What I mean is do most people think about doing non legal things but never act on it. Or givin the right opportunity would a lot more act on it ? If I found a bag of money in the woods I fear I would keep it, and not take it to the police. What would you do ?

I guess you will just have to leave a bag of money for me so I will know. 😛

Another interesting scenario would be if you were a politician. You see, some stealing is legal and socially acceptable. In fact, in some circumstances if you don't play the same games you can't do your job. The next thing you know you are not even paying your taxes.

I would certanaly keep it

But if I foud a wallet whith money and the owner's adress, I would make sure that he get's it back

Originally posted by buckky
Does everyone have a criminal mind, but most of us keep it under control ? What I mean is do most people think about doing non legal things but never act on it. Or givin the right opportunity would a lot more act on it ? If I found a bag of money in the woods I fear I would keep it, and not take it to the police. What would you do ?

There is a big difference between 'non-legal things' and immoral things. Many of us refrain from things we consider excessively immoral, but are less bothered about the law.

Why don't you ask how many people have ever pirated music, software or videos - all of which are non-legal practices.

But committing a criminal act doesn't make one a criminal any more than if someone had one homosexual experience, he could be branded a homosexual. Right?

Originally posted by PinkFloyd
Speaking for myself, if not for my religious beliefs and fear of repurcussions, there are people (very few) that I would like to "escort into their afterlife". But I don't do this because it's not Christian.

So if you'd lose your faith, you would go and kill those people? Really?

I suppose I have a criminal mind, because I've done criminal things. However, my (incompletely developed and [unrelated to the incomplete development] secular) ethical beliefs share with some forms of religious morality that they forbid certain patterns of thinking. It's not often an issue for me, but I generally treat the impulse to be aggressive immoral in itself (and I tend to hold others to this standard).

Originally posted by PinkFloyd
Speaking for myself, if not for my religious beliefs and fear of repurcussions, there are people (very few) that I would like to "escort into their afterlife". But I don't do this because it's not Christian.

It doesn't matter if you do now or not. You've already murdered them in your heart.

Originally posted by Nordlys
So if you'd lose your faith, you would go and kill those people? Really?

Maybe not, but I woould sure give it a good try.