We live in a culture where the dualities of good and bad pervade everything. All actions, emotions, desires, thoughts etc. are classified as good or bad (or an intermediate shade between the two). In the language of the upanishads, (where certain sanskrit words have no suitable english descriptions) , the mind-stuff (chitta) flows along the rivers of good and bad impressions (vasanas)

So yesterday, we got into a discussion about why is it easier for the mind-stuff to flow along the bad impressions. For e.g. why is it easier to develop any "bad" habit than a "good" one. Looks like a naieve question. But you would be surprised as to where all it would lead you if you contemplate on it.

Certain tendencies like drug addiction, or eating fast food instead of healthy food can be explained from a purely physiological view point. Many others can be explained from a cultural or psychological platform.

Emotional responses to a situation can usually be explained as the mind thinking that it is the best and quickest way to handle that situation. From past habits, the body is conditioned to exhibit certain emotions in particular situations. Seemingly, giving vent to the emotions that arise is a good way for the mind to think that it has reached a solution.

However, in many ways, at the most basic level, this is an instance of the anthropic principle. This is the human condition as we observe it and asking why is moot because what we observe contributes to the existing human condition. So, we are like this, in part, because we are like this. Its like asking why we have 5 fingers and not 6.

The Upanishads make a nice point about this. It is obvious that with constant cultivation, we can make the mind-stuff flow along the "good" impressions. But then, are we now addicted to the "good" things?