Question

Augustine's "Confessions": The Pear Tree

Augustine writes in his "Confessions" about a boyhood incident - he and his friends ruin the pears off a neighbor's pear tree, not because they need them or are hungry, but simply to be malicious for its own sake - he writes that we sometimes want to be evil simply for the sake of being evil, for no other gain.

Do you agree with Augustine that this is part of human nature? Discuss your ideas and support them with examples

Answer 1

Humans are unique in certain ways, but their nature is quite similar. It may be normal for some people to want to be evil simply for the sake of being evil and for no other gain. But, I do not support this part of human nature. Having fun at the cost of causing loss to someone is not right. In Augustine's Confessions scenario with the Pear Tree, he and his friends gained nothing from their act, but the neighbor whose pears were ruined was clearly at loss. We never know what those pears or that tree meant to him. It's important to consider the feelings of others and have empathy before we engage in such acts. I remember a story of my friend in a similar situation. She had once plucked the flowers from the garden of her neighbour whom she hated. She felt very satisfied with her act until she found out that those plants were planted by her neighbor's father who was no more. Those plants were his gift and she considered those flowers her father's blessings. My friend felt terrible after knowing this and she could not get over her guilt for a long time. Instances like this make me realize that what may seem fun or useless to us may be precious to another person. So it's better to not engage in evil acts just for the sake of it.