I knew it was wrong to throw the rock. Even if the building seemed abandoned. But, before my friends could react, I threw it.

The alarms sounded instantaneously. We hopped on our bikes and raced away. A few minutes later, a helicopter appeared overhead. We scrambled under some trees and watched it circle the building.

I was in high school at the time. Friends who knew me knew I wasn't a kid prone to rash or destructive behavior. But that day, I felt like doing something deviant. If even just for one moment. And it was fun.

Why do we do things we know we shouldn't?

If you ask religious scholars, some will say that humans are born with sin as part of our intrinsic nature. Others will say we are given a free choice by God, and without a range of good and evil, there can be no free choice. Yet others will say it's a temptation from the devil, plain and simple.

If you ask psychologists, some will say it's the battle of the super-ego and the id, where the id is winning. Others will say it's a manifestation of our repressed urges, our need to rebel, and our need to push the boundaries and define our reach. Yet others will say you're a sociopath and have a personality disorder.

If you ask neuroscientists, some will say we've associated endorphins with deviant behavior and are enjoying the high we get. Others will say there's a part of our brain, most notably apparent with Tourette's syndrome patients, that triggers impulsive urges.

And if you ask any ole' guy on the street, he'll probably tell you it is fun and because, deep down inside, you want to. So fuck off now and leave him alone. (Whoops, guess I picked a belligerent guy.)

Here's how I see it.

Our minds are governed by three areas:

  • Brain
  • Heart
  • Genitals

The Brain is the home of our logical thoughts. Right and wrong, from a socially-influenced view, is determined here, as well as balancing our needs and desires.

The Heart is the home of our emotional desires. Sometimes in conflict with the Brain, the heart wants what it wants. Rarely is it logical; always is it passionate and emotional.

The Genitals are the home of our physical desires. No big surprise there.

The Heart and Genitals sometimes conspire against the Brain to get what it wants, even if it's wrong, morally, logically, socially, and every other -ly there is. But it's the Brain's job to sort all that out.

In most societies, a strong Brain is favored above all others. Not an over-domineering Brain, just a well-balanced mind with a dominant Brain. This makes up what many consider maturity. Those that lack maturity, accordingly, have a dominant Heart or Genitals.

The Brain is also the protector of the mind. Impulses taken by the Heart or Genitals can sometimes have devastating effects. Defensive mechanisms, repressed urges, and discipline are all tools of the Brain.

Sometimes this is good. Our Brains are protecting us from harm. Other times, we just want to strike out and do something deviant. If even just for one moment. Why?

Because it's fun and deep down, we want to.

(And to that building owner: Sorry about the rock!)

. . .

Why do you do things you know you shouldn't?