Every now and then I have gotten myself into an argument with people who think that they, or the people they know, wouldn't be able to commit horrible acts, and I always fully disagree.
If a person thinks that they wouldn't be able to commit something, no matter the circumstances, it only increases the chances of that happening.
That is mostly because if one is cognizant of the circumstances that are required for them to commit something, then they can take steps to avoid these circumstances.
One of better examples would be cheating. I've had about 6 LTRs, with few more short term flings, and I've never cheated, even when the relationship has been in shambles and in an active downwards spiral and I've had a decent amount of opportunities (I don't expect any pats on the back for that).
Why is that? Because I know that I like partying, that I like meeting new people, so I make a point to not develop a close bond with other girls when I'm in a committed relationship, especially if alcohol or emotionally charged even is present, since I am aware that I might slip up.
Absolutely no "oh yeah, lets just stay late with a bottle of wine and talk in the late of the night bs".
With burning passion I hate people who are surprised and say "It just happened".
Been cheated on about 2 times and it's always been full of excuses. I'm having absolutely none of that- every decision that led up to that point was preventable.
Last year one of my friend groups was nuked because one lad A slept with lads B girl. How did that happen? A and B with his girl lived next to each other (opposite doors in the hallway). Lad B went to 3 month overseas business trip, the friend group stayed strong, so the girl continued hanging with us. I started to notice them getting really friendly and warned that this doesn't look good- only got "oh, this is nothing/I could never' answers.
Lo and behol, after 1 month I cought lad A going half naked to his room from Bs room.
I truly believe that he was telling me the truth, because he has been cheated on before and has read a 6 hours lecture to his friend about inappropriate behaviour to taken girls.
So yeah, people who aren't cognizant of what evil they're capable of are more likely to commit it. Other examples beeing- commiting political, religious or other atrocities/violence.
(Works other way around too- with the right circumstances, everyone is capable of greatness)
Selected the "none of the above" flair since cheating was just an example, not the main point.