[Giovanna Clairval]

[quote]

Originally Posted by Lith

Giovanna- and interesting post, though I would add that it is possible to feel guilt without having been told not to do something. When you see a negative effect your actions have had one someone else (suppose this gets into ability to sympathize, or have "same-feeling" towards another), even if the intended effect is even a good one. Or, as an example, a child taking a fish out of their fish tank, and then feeling bad that their fish died.

You are right, Lith. This capability of feeling guilty even if nobody told you not to do something comes once the possibility of internalisation has somehow been built within. And then, it is spontaneous, as you say.

Every mother (father) can testify that a very small children is not human. A less-than-two-year-old toddler is all desire and no restraint. If she could kill to get what she wants, she would, and with no qualms.
That's why babies come in small size. They are predators (I have three children. I can tell...)

Humanity, the ability of living with others, is something that is constructed during early life. A few miss the train, and, even if it pains me to say so, and it is against the idea of transformation of the self--something I cherish--, it is too late for buying another ticket.