The Author’s Main Argument
In “The Frivolity of Evil,” Theodore Dalrymple’s main argument is that people’s lack of self-accountability and responsibility results in various social evils. The well-written article argues that people are “flawed in the heart,” which makes them behave absurdly (Dalrymple 156). The author accepts that people act evilly without taking care of the preceding consequences.
For example, Dalrymple uses a prisoner as a perfect example of people who do evil, serve their jail terms, and turn back to society while keeping their heads high, as if they have paid for their crimes. One fact that these convicts tend to forget is the possible repercussions of their evil acts. The author continues explaining that people should not have children if they know they may not provide for their daily needs. Dalrymple’s opinion resonates with the idea that people should shun evil if they are not accountable for their acts. In other words, the article calls for people to be accountable for the erroneous acts they continue to carry out in society.
Support
Dalrymple supports the arguments by providing various descriptions of evils that continue to occur in society without any form of accountability from the perpetrators. These erroneous acts comprise criminal, social, and economic injustices. The renowned scholar touches on common crimes such as early pregnancy, fighting, and other forms of societal arrogance during the presentation (Dalrymple 156). One of the exciting things that the author claims is that “Men commit evil within the scope available to them” (Dalrymple 157).
Such claims support the idea that people commit crimes and break the law without considering the dire consequences. “The Frivolity of Evil” spells out that humans tend to seize opportunities and commit various forms of injustice within their ultimate power and authority. The renowned scholar accepts that people will accept committing a crime if provided the choice, irrespective of the negative repercussions.
The author further accepts that people continue to engage in unethical activities that will negatively affect their lives. He noted how people continue to carry out harmful activities despite the adverse consequences. These actions have led to many people experiencing miserable lives. The actions can be categorized into three major themes, perfectly outplayed in the text. These include the selfish nature of the people, lack of moral ethics, and, finally, societal acceptance of evil actions (Dalrymple 157).
Dalrymple provides relevant examples of people who have suffered due to social injustices. For example, a woman has three children from different fathers. She narrates how she left her first marriage due to violence. She went ahead to the second marriage with a man who was a criminal, and the last marriage with a man who had five children with different women (Dalrymple 158). The above example is a typical example of how people have accepted the various forms of evil without considering the possible repercussions.
Personal Position on Dalrymple’s Claims and Why
I fully agree with the author of “The Frivolity of Evil” article for several reasons. I accept that people have failed to achieve self-accountability and responsibility, creating many societal injustices and tensions. These members must apply ethics in their operations to promote positive societal progress. They have failed to operate in an egocentric manner, thus only working to achieve their needs.
The above scenario of women engaging with three different men is a typical example of how members of society lack moral ethics and egocentrism. He points out that the women knowingly agreed to marry such men despite knowing their irresponsible nature. These moves, in turn, led to her suffering and the suffering of the innocent children. Egocentrism is further depicted by the man chasing her away without a proper reason. In my capacity, it is due to such forms of actions that misery has struck society and caused a high level of suffering.
I concur with the author’s argument that the misery experienced in society is due to people’s decisions. Every decision people make in their lives turns out to be positive or negative. Therefore, members who often choose to make an adverse decision usually leave their family members affected mentally, economically, or socially. Their constant social evils usually lead to depression and instability in families. These acts have led to social, mental, and economic instability among society’s members.
Therefore, all concerned bodies must understand these aspects and train members to follow positive approaches while operating in society. This approach will help reduce the cases of social evils that are experienced in society. Further, such a more incredible foundation of knowledge will reduce mental disorders and give a proper understanding of how to live in harmony in society. The application of these principles will help to reduce the number of crimes in society and make people operate in a just manner. It will promote not only justice but also ethics in the community.
Work Cited
Dalrymple, Theodore. “The Frivolity of Evil.” City Journal: 2013, pp. 155–161.