Good Versus Evil & Link Up On the Edge #47

June 8, 2017 / 54 Comments

Good versus evil. It is a universal dichotomy that is as old as time. And it is a metaphysical idea that creeps into my brain in the wee hours of the night. (Or in the shower…I often do my best philosophical thinking in the shower). It is a topic that repeats itself over and over again in movies, in television, in songs, in religion, in law, in psychology. At times, it seems as if we are almost obsessed with the idea, but more so, we are obsessed with trying to make sense of it.

*This is a sponsored post. I received this scarf c/o DressLily. As always , all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The ancient philosophers wrote volumes addressing this dichotomous structure of human reality. We all seem to accept that evil is a necessary part of our existence. We also all recognize that everyone possesses pure goodness within themselves. The majority of us root for good when it faces off against evil. But we all know that oftentimes evil will and does prevail. Yet, we hold on to hope and have faith that good will become the ultimate victor. But what makes us so confident? Evils abound. Everywhere you look. In the news, in the world, inside our own homes, and most definitely within our own minds…bad thoughts, unkind motivations, and selfish wants find a place to reside right within our own hearts and heads.

It can be said that as long as we don’t act on the evils within us, then we will be okay. We will still be considered good people. Our laws dictate just that concept. For a crime to have been committed, we must have both an evil motivation combined with a negative act. If you have one without the other, it is not a crime at all. It is either an accident or just a thought. Must we be held responsible and feel remorseful for our thoughts alone? Without the act of wrong-doing, won’t we continue to maintain, sustain, and perpetuate goodness? As long as we resist acting on the evil? I don’t know.

Many religions promote a different way of thinking. Bad thoughts are wrong. Evil motivation even without action still requires repentance. Seeking forgiveness is required just for thinking things that may not coincide with what the preacher is preaching. But is forgiveness enough?

Ultimately, for me, it is self-forgiveness that brings about restful slumber. It is easing myself of guilt that may have been put upon me by society’s expectations. We do not all hold the same beliefs, yet we all struggle with a similar internal battle between good and evil. The lines get so fuzzy. What I believe is wrong, others may think not so bad. An act or even a thought that someone else may think is egregiously and inherently evil, may sit comfortably in my soul. So how do you reconcile the blurry lines between good and evil?

I don’t actually have answers to any of the questions I just posed. I really am just waxing philosophical on the topic. Because…well, it is what I sometimes do. (Little known fact, my undergraduate degree is in Philosophy.) And my husband and I were discussing this idea just last night so it is fresh in my mind. Yes, we do discuss these things.  Quite passionately, in fact.  Because…well, it is what we do sometimes. It keeps this marriage interesting! In any event, I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

I thought this black and denim outfit with the little hint of red in my scarf and on my lips was perfect for a discussion about good and evil. There is something about the color red that connotes both good and evil, isn’t there? I love the lightweight sheer fabric of the scarf with its dark dandelion print. It seems to create a sense of deep mystery with the unnatural color scheme for things found in nature.

Outfit Details
Scarf: Chic Doodle Dandelion Pattern Comfortable Women’s Chiffon Shawl Wrap Scarf c/o DressLily.
Jeans and Tee: Both old from Old Navy.
Necklace: Old from Kohl’s.
Vest: Old from Cato Fashions.
Shoes: Christian Siriano for Payless Nikolle Low Heel Slide.
Watch: Jord.

Good, evil, or indifferent, here are your favorite posts from last week.

Amy of Stylin’ Granny Mama shared her easy, adorable, Spring styling of a utility jacket in her post Piece Perfect – The Utility Jacket. Blush and olive is one of my favorite color combinations and I love all of the little details in her outfit, too. Great look, Amy!

Alex of The Cheerful Closet shared four ways to style one skirt in her post Four Seasons, One Piece: Mini Skirt. I love how she transitioned this adorable skirt throughout the year! Well done, Alex.

I want to thank you all for linking up with me week after week.  I am so grateful for your continued support and for this community of amazing and interesting people!  I always look forward to see what you all are wearing, sharing, and discussing.


Philosophizing on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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