In Catherine Gildiner’s Good Morning, Monster, she presents a compelling argument: there is no such thing as an evil person, only layers of trauma. This perspective challenges the conventional view of morality, pushing us to see beyond actions and into the roots of behavior. If we are truly the sum of our experiences, then how can we condemn someone as purely evil? Instead, we must ask—what led them to become this way?

Understanding the Cycle of Trauma

We often hear phrases like hurt people hurt people, yet society still clings to the idea of inherent evil. The abused become abusers, the bullied become bullies, and those who are neglected or unloved may struggle to express love themselves. This does not justify harmful behavior, but it does provide an explanation. Trauma, when left unhealed, manifests in ways that can perpetuate cycles of pain.

Take, for example, a child who grows up in an environment filled with violence and neglect. That child may internalize aggression as a survival mechanism, later acting out in ways that mirror their own suffering. Without intervention, without healing, their behavior becomes a reflection of the trauma they endured. To the outside world, they may appear cruel, even evil, but inside, they are simply following the blueprint their past has laid out for them.

Blame vs. Responsibility

Understanding that people are shaped by trauma does not mean we absolve them of responsibility. Actions have consequences, and those who cause harm must be held accountable. However, accountability should not come from a place of condemnation but from a place of understanding and rehabilitation. Instead of labeling someone as irredeemable, we should ask: What happened to them? How can they be helped? How can we stop the cycle?

Compassion as a Tool for Change

Shifting our perspective from blame to understanding allows for meaningful change. If we recognize that people act out of their wounds, we can begin to address the root causes rather than just punishing the symptoms. This is where therapy, trauma-informed care, and emotional education become crucial.

Imagine if, instead of simply punishing offenders, society prioritized their healing. If abusive parents were given the tools to break generational cycles, if bullies were taught how to process their own pain, if criminals were offered rehabilitation rather than just incarceration—how different would our world be?

The Power of Awareness

The next time we encounter someone who seems cruel, selfish, or even dangerous, perhaps we can pause and ask: What layers of trauma are they carrying? This doesn’t mean tolerating abuse or excusing harm, but it does mean shifting from a mindset of judgment to one of awareness.

Evil is not an inherent trait; it is a manifestation of unresolved pain. By acknowledging this, we open the door to not only understanding others but also creating a world where cycles of trauma are broken rather than perpetuated. In the end, healing is not just for the individual—it is for all of us.