In 1983, the Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to William Golding for his great contributions to the field, particularly literature that analyzed the human condition. The Nobel Prize was presented by Professor Lars Gyllensten, a member of the Swedish Academy. In Gyllensten's speech, he quotes Golding as saying, "Man produces evil as a bee produces honey." Gyllensten then elaborates on Golding's quote:

Question

"Golding inveighs* against those who think that it is the political or other systems that create evil. Evil springs from the depths of man himself―it is the wickedness in human beings that creates the evil systems or that changes what from the beginning is, or could be, good into something iniquitous* and destructive."
Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Golding and Gyllensten's claims about humanity being inherently evil, and thus responsible for evil systems, are valid.
*inveighs = speaks or writes about something with hostility
*iniquitous = grossly unfair or morally wrong
Directions:
In your response, you should do the following:
• Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
• Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
• Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

1. Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Golding and Gyllensten's claims about humanity being inherently evil, and thus responsible for evil systems, are valid. (1 intro paragraph, 2 body paragraphs, 1 conclusion)

Answer 1

The Inherent Nature of Evil: An Examination of Golding and Gyllensten's Claims

William Golding's assertion that "man produces evil as a bee produces honey" invites a profound inquiry into the nature of humanity and the systems that govern our lives. In conjunction with Professor Lars Gyllensten's elaboration, which blames humanity itself for the creation of evil, a compelling argument emerges: that humanity possesses an inherent capacity for wickedness that manifests in both individual actions and broader societal structures. While it is essential to acknowledge the complex interplay of systems and individual choices, Golding and Gyllensten's claims hold considerable validity. This essay argues that the inherent flaws in human nature are fundamental contributors to the establishment of evil systems, as evidenced by historical atrocities and psychological studies of human behavior.

One of the most glaring pieces of evidence supporting Golding and Gyllensten's position can be seen in the brutalities of 20th-century history, particularly during the Holocaust and the Rwandan genocide. In both instances, individuals who participated in these atrocities were often ordinary people, not inherently monstrous beings. The mechanisms of evil took root in societal norms, propaganda, and political systems, yet these systems were perpetrated and sustained by the choices of individuals—choices motivated by fear, prejudice, and the desire for power. Such historical examples illustrate that while systems may facilitate evil actions, it is the presence of inherent human flaws, such as greed and hatred, that enables these systems to take shape and thrive. This supports Golding's argument that it is within humanity itself that evil originates, implying that our capability for wrongdoing precedes and subsequently influences the structures we create.

Furthermore, psychological studies on human behavior reinforce the notion that individuals are predisposed to act in harmful ways under certain conditions. The famous Stanford prison experiment led by psychologist Philip Zimbardo in 1971 delves into this troubling aspect of human nature. Participants, when placed in positions of perceived authority, quickly adopted abusive behaviors towards their peers, highlighting a latent potential for cruelty that resided within them. Although the experiment was artificial and conducted in a controlled environment, the findings suggest that the propensity for evil, rather than being solely a product of external circumstances, lies deep within human psychology. The implications are clear: Golding and Gyllensten's perspective is valid, as individuals can produce evil thoughts and actions when placed in environments that provoke their darker instincts. This aligns with Golding’s assertion that it is the nature of man to produce evil, pointing towards a deep-seated flaw within humanity that informs not only individual actions but also the creation of destructive systems.

In conclusion, while systems and institutions undoubtedly play a role in cultivating environments for evil to flourish, the root of such malice is fundamentally connected to the inherent flaws of human nature. Golding and Gyllensten illuminate the alarming but critical truth that individuals bear the responsibility for their actions, which shapes the systems that govern society. By examining history and psychological research, we find that the capabilities for cruelty and injustice exist within every person, echoing Golding's assertion that evil is an intrinsic aspect of humanity. Acknowledging this reality is essential for fostering a more conscientious society, where the focus shifts towards individual responsibility in combating the malevolent aspects of our nature.