Why Do People Do Bad?

Timeless Wisdom with Dennis Prager

Salem Podcast Network

Politics, News, News Commentary, Philosophy, Society & Culture

4.7 • 2.3K Ratings

🗓️ 7 July 2026

⏱️ 41 minutes

🔗️ Recording | Apple Podcasts | RSS

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Summary

In this latest episode of Timeless Wisdom, Dennis delves into the age-old question: why do people do bad things? As he explores this complex topic, he divides it into two categories: ideological evil and personal evil. He argues that ideological evil is often more frightening than individual evil, as it's done by people who genuinely believe they're doing good, citing examples from history like the Nazis and Communists.

In this thought-provoking episode, Dennis discusses the roots of bad behavior, from the societal level to the individual. He talks to callers who share their perspectives on the matter, including Charles, who suggests that a lack of self-restraint and a sense of entitlement are key factors, and Reverend Jamie, who believes that selfishness and self-centeredness are at the heart of the issue. Dennis also explores the concept of empathy and how it relates to bad behavior.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Life Audio.
0:04.4	On today's episode of timeless wisdom.
0:07.8	Why do people do bad?
0:11.7	My personal belief is that the ultimate downfall of man, individual, or as a group, is pride.
0:17.4	And I think it goes back to what you're talking about before with the people that were in charge of the gangs, how they were so full of themselves.
0:24.5	They had the best self-esteem.
0:25.6	I think it goes back to pride.
0:27.4	Caesar, look at what he did.
0:29.1	And most prideful man, I think, we ever had on this planet.
0:32.9	Well, there's competition for that title, Megan.
0:35.4	Well.
0:36.5	But so by pride, meaning what?
0:39.6	Filled with oneself?
0:41.8	Yes, I think a total egotism, but then I think pride can be this big swirling depth, you know,
0:48.8	as somebody that has road rage, maybe, you know, pride, how dare that person cut me off or not signal or something?
0:57.9	I think that's why people rape and murder and everything.
1:02.0	It all comes back to pride.
1:03.8	That's coming up on timeless wisdom with Dennis Prager.
1:07.0	If you're eating less, staying disciplined, and the weight still isn't coming off,
1:10.4	the problem may not be your effort.
1:12.1	It may be your metabolism.
1:13.6	After years of stress, dieting, and lack of sleep, the body adapts.
	...

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