If you crossed paths with a coyote and it showed you its teeth, it would be frightening (photo here). It would seem “evil.” And if it attacked you, or you saw it attack another animal, that would also seem evil. But you would know that the coyote isn’t actually evil. You’d understand that it’s just trying to survive the only way it knows how.

But if you saw a human hunting another human, you would think differently. You would think you’re witnessing something evil. Even if that person was starving, you would likely still believe they were doing something evil.

Complicating things even more is the fact that humans are capable of killing for pleasure. Sometimes we conclude that the person has a mental illness. But the act still seems evil.

So how do we know if evil objectively exists, and how do we identify it? Does it only apply to humans? Are animals excluded?

Maybe “evil” isn’t the point. Maybe that’s just a word — a label. Maybe suffering is the point. Maybe the bigger question isn’t “Why does evil exist?” but “Why does suffering exist?”

Instead of trying to identify evil and fight it, maybe we should focus on minimizing suffering. It’s easier to recognize, and less likely to lead to retribution or scapegoating.

We can minimize suffering without demonizing each other.