See, at first, being an optimistically inclined person i would have to say that the majority of people are good. Sure there are a couple of bad apples but those are the exceptions to the rule. I mean, aren't we as the caretakers of Earth an intelligent and majestic race? If we weren't how have we come so far? In times of tragedy we pull together and lend each other a helping hand. But it recently dawned on me (partly due to watching the Matrix and listening to the "humans are viruses" speech) that if we truly are inherently good, we wouldn't need to be pounded with "be good" speeches. All of our social institutions and traditions are built to ensure that each generation understands and respects other people and the world around us. If we are already inclined to be good why do we need to be reminded "to do good" and to have that beaten into our conscience?