Before we can comment with any accuracy or wisdom about "evil," defining what is meant by "evil" is an important part of it.

  I think it's hard to know bearing in mind we are finding an increasing number of links to genetics these days. Genetics and environmental factors mold the man. But unless there is the presence of a mental disorder, life offers many a pivotal moments for one to free themselves.

History has been known to repeat itself within families.

We are born tabula rasa. It's our milieu and nurture which writes our ultimate spirit.

This is largely true. It is law, rules and civilization that tames the bad and keeps us on the right track.

I don't think the "average" (whatever that is) person is inherently evil...misled,probably...confused,certainly-but not "Evil".

I do believe that there may be some individuals who are inherently evil. Sociopaths, for example. People who, due to some malfunctioning of the brain, have absolutely no conscience. But the average person is certainly not inherently evil.

I wouldn't say inherently evil. I'd say inherently flawed. We all fall short, each in our own ways and in some ways more than others. Only one man wasn't flawed and He is the reason life here on earth is worth living.

All people are evil in their own ways. All of us fall short of perfection so we end up doing things that are considered sinful just to gain an advantage. That's life.

It might sound like a contradiction to my statement that people are basicly good and decent. The truth is, is that we all have the potential to do something evil, given the right circumstances. Most of us keep this under control and it is never an issue. But the news and history is filled with people and nations that just could not control their darker sides.