We should not expect people to be good, but should make it impossible for them to be bad

We should not expect people to be good, but should make it impossible for them to be bad

Lin Yutang, a renowned Chinese writer and philosopher, once said, “We should not expect people to be good, but should make it impossible for them to be bad.” This statement holds a profound truth that resonates with the complexities of human nature and the society we live in.

In today’s world, it is often easy to fall into the trap of expecting everyone to be inherently good. We hold high expectations for people to act in a moral and ethical manner, to always do the right thing, and to treat others with kindness and respect. However, the reality is that human beings are inherently flawed and capable of both good and bad actions. It is unrealistic to expect perfection from others, as we all have our own struggles, temptations, and shortcomings.

Instead of placing unrealistic expectations on people to always be good, Lin Yutang suggests that we should focus on creating an environment that makes it difficult for individuals to engage in harmful or unethical behavior. This involves implementing systems of accountability, setting clear boundaries and consequences for wrongdoing, and promoting a culture of integrity and honesty.

By making it impossible for people to be bad, we are not only protecting ourselves and others from harm, but also creating a society that values and upholds moral principles. This approach shifts the focus from individual character to external factors that influence behavior, such as social norms, laws, and institutions.

Lin Yutang’s philosophy aligns with the idea that prevention is better than cure. Rather than waiting for people to make mistakes and then punishing them for their actions, we should proactively work towards creating a society that fosters goodness and discourages wrongdoing. This requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, and governments to promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior.