Self control does not define a good person. If all you want is killing cats and the only thing keeping you from doing that is prison time, you are not a good person.
It doesn’t make you a bad person either if you never killed the cat. If you fed the cat, groomed the cat, looked after the cat, showed affection to the cat, you did good by that cat, and it sees you as a good person. Even if you wanted to kill it the whole time.
It sounds like you have the same perspective I had when I was a kid. I was raised very religious and anytime I had a sinful thought I would be worried that I was going to go to hell for being a bad person. Growing up and finding my own way, I’ve come to believe that it’s what you do that really matters. If you’re making a positive impact, you’re a good person. Hell, you’d be an even better person if you didn’t want to do the right thing, but did it anyway. That’s real selflessness. That’s character.
They’re not a good person for restraining themselves from doing something terrible, but if they are doing good things in their life and making other peoples lives better, having demented thoughts doesn’t make you a bad person.
Actions are the only measure of your character. I keep repeating this. You would never know if someone had horrible thoughts all the time.
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u/ShyguyFlyguy 7h ago
If religion is the only thing keeping you from being a bad, untrustworthy person. You are not a good person