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Are Realtors Inherently Good or Evil? - the Secret Revealed

Some folks have a pretty dim view of our real estate professionals and attempt to categorize them with used car salesmen, stock brokers or lawyers and similar professional parasites - but I ask is this really a fair assessment?

Many Famous Western Philosophers have attempted to argue the point and spent much of their life pondering the question is man inherently good or evil? Both, Kant and Eichmann have writings the size of books on this very subject.

man

Would it be too bold of me to hyperspace such hours of thought into a single comment on the banality of evil in relation to Realtors and those who call themselves Real Estate Professionals? After all what is a professional? If we look at the latter question, it appears that professionals are those who charge more than they are normally worth, but smile while doing so and dress for success as they overcharge. However, are we to say that Real Estate Professionals are in this same boat?

Real Estate Agents do call themselves professionals, perhaps to upgrade their status a bit in the eyes of a scrutinizing public. If they call themselves professionals, and they act like professionals, well, then if the duck quacks; what do they say about that? If they are professionals and professionals dress nice so they can charge more, then is that not a form of manipulation and trickery?

professional

Is manipulation and trickery upon a client a good act of common decency and the utmost of humanity - or good? The Real Estate Professional swears by The Realtor Code of Ethics to uphold the best interests of their client and the consumer. But, if manipulation and trickery is taking place then, that in itself is hypocrisy and unjust, creating falsehood, which is; Bad. Indeed, these innate characteristics are of the human realm.

Many Famous Philosophers, seem to think, after years of deep thought, well beyond the common real estate professional's mental abilities, that humans are in fact characteristically evil (bad), often using the words synonymously in their award winning voluminous manuscripts. So, it appears that if the general society at large believes that professionals are bad and the famous philosophers believe that Bad = Evil, then it stands to reason that the general public believes that Real Estate Professionals are Evil.

devil man

Now then, since Real Estate "Professionals" are evil and there are some Realtors who are not professional at all, one could say that the "non-professional" real estate agents are good and the rest are evil. But, if a "non-professional" Realtor calls themselves a "professional" then they are lying and so they are Bad or in this case Evil, as well. Every one at ActiveRain is not professional, for instance read some of these very nasty comments below and on my previous posts - they are mean and so, obviously "not professional" so then they must be good Realtors or real estate agents right? After all, they are not acting in a professional manner at all.

Would that be a correct assumption? Actually not, it would be wrong, because if they are mean, then they are bad and Bad = Evil, remember? So, anyone being nice in their comments below is "professional" meaning Bad or Evil. And anyone being mean-spirited below is bad or Evil, then obviously, all Real Estate Agents are evil, evil, evil!

If you are too professional to leave a comment, you are Evil, and if you leave a comment below whether nice (acting professional) or mean (acting hostile and unprofessional) then either way you are Evil. Therefore, I conclude that ALL Real Estate Agents are evil. Care to opine, because, I would love for you to prove me right, just one more time.

devil inside free tshirt

*** Note: If this Blog Post offends anyone, get use to it, I'm not going anywhere and I can out write you. Additionally, don't shoot the messenger, if you have a problem with this line of logic take it up with Kant and Eichmann, as it is based on their years of work in philosophy. You are Evil - just face it. Stop trying to pretend, you are not fooling anyone.

Posted by Lance Winslow on 01/04/2008 05:55 AM

Comments (57)

good vs evil, evil is bad, realtors, real estate professionals, real estate agents, devil, kant, eichman

57 Comments on Are Realtors Inherently Good or Evil? - the Secret Revealed

JAN

2008

I am not going to leave my name but I can say this: I am not EVIL. I am a professional but I can say that your Post here is bad + evil or whatever and I know what you are up to because you posted something else the other day along the same lines. If those philosophers were alive today then I would sell them a house and sleep well a night afterwards too! Cheers, Mr. Good Realtor

I'm not particularly offended by lunar ravings in circular logic. I do feel some pity for those engaging in it though.

Does that make me mean or bad or evil? I just can't decide which one. But then, does it really matter?

I'm obviously an eeeeevvvviiilll person whether it's the meanness or the badness that I exhibit!

For Pete's Sake you have to be kidding me right? Evil Snivel. Professional Realtors are great and you know it and I am not leaving my name either you scoundrel.

Denial won't do you any good, you must rise up and admit that you are evil.

Thanks for the in-depth information.... Thank goodness I have had three cups of coffee this morning and I was able to digest your researched feelings. Too funny! I'm very glad to see that you did some research, educated yourself on a subject and (formed your own educated opinion)? Nice to read some material that is full of so much passion! Keep them coming. As for me I will =

Lance buddy,

Why don't you admit that you are evil, you little Hitler. There is nothing wrong with being professional in the real estate biz. If we weren't all hell would break lose you devil!!! I suppose since I left you a comment that I am evil too now, huh????

John

Christina,

Where did you get that great "Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil" picture, I was trying hard to find something like that for the pictures in the post, so this is very cool of you to post it, thanks you Evil Devil! - Lance

John,

Oh, please now you call me a little Hitler? Give me a break already, all you have to do is admit that you are evil and everyone is good. Admit it already, just admit it. - Lance

Houston,

I see, I am a scoundrel, ALL Realtors are Great! and you are a Professional Houston Real Estate Man? Is that about right? Just want to make sure for the record there big guy? - Lance

Erby,

Your circular argument comment was interesting in that, yes much of Western Philosophy is rather a circular argument. Good point indeed. - Lance

I'm a sweet little cupcake, baked by the devil. For the sake of clarity, cupcake=cupcake. Have a great weekend!

Chris,

Ah ha, Devil's Food Cupcakes! I knew it. Actually they sound pretty good, I mean bad, or evil rather?> Lance

I am actually confused. How do you get access to a computer when you are obviously busy solving the mystery of the universe?

I would say that there is evil in everyone, some just let it get out.

Lance,

I must tell you majority of your ranting and raving looks to be taken directly from Nietzsche.

I especially enjoy the excerpts from "Beyond Good And Evil". You`ve done a great job with your

German Philosophy. Old Friedrich would be proud of this post!

Whether it is hedonism or pessimism, utilitarianism or eudaemonism - all these ways of thinking that measure the value of thing in accordance with pleasure and pain , which are mere epiphenomena and wholly secondary, are ways of thinking that stay in the foreground and naivetes on which everyone conscious of creative powers and an artistic conscience will look down not without derision, nor without pity. Pity with you - that, of course, is not pity in your sense: it is not pity with social "distress", with "society" and its sick and unfortunate members, with those addicted to vice and maimed from the start, though the ground around us is littered with them; it is even less pity with grumbling, sorely pressed, rebellious slave strata who long for dominion, calling it "freedom". Our pity is a higher and more farsighted pity: we see how man makes himself smaller, how you make him smaller - and there are moments when we behold your very pity with indescribable anxiety, when we resist this pity - when we find your seriousness more dangerous than any frivolity. You want, if possible - and there is no more insane "if possible" - to abolish suffering . And we? It really seems that we would rather have it higher and worse than ever. Well-being as you understand it - that is no goal, that seems to us an end , a state that soon makes man ridiculous and contemptible - that makes his destruction desirable .

The discipline of suffering, of great suffering - do you not know that only this discipline has created all enhancements of man so far? That tension of the soul in unhappiness which cultivates its strength, its shudders face to face with great ruin. its inventiveness and courage in enduring, persevering, interpreting and exploiting suffering and whatever has been granted to it of profundity, secret, mask, spirit, cunning, greatness - was it not granted to it through suffering, through the discipline of great suffering? In man creature and creator are united: in man there is material, fragment, excess, clay, dirt, nonsense, chaos; but in man there is also creator, form giver, hammer, hardness, spectator divinity, and seventh day: do you understand this contrast? And that your pity is for the "creature in man". for what must be formed, broken, forged, torn, burnt, made incandescent, and purified - that which necessarily man and should suffer? And our pity - do you not comprehend for whom our converse pity is when it resists your pity as the worst of all pamperings and weaknesses?

Thus it is pity versus pity.

But to say it once more: there are higher problems than all problems of pleasure. pain. and pity; and every philosophy that stops with them is naive.

Nietzsche, "Beyond Good And Evil", section 225
translated by Walter Kaufmann
Nietzsche and mother

Lance, you were obviously having fun at the expense of the readers, and you got what you intended here on Active Rain, lots of responses. Well done. But, be honest and tell them that you're just trying to rile them.

I don't know if they are evil but they sure charge alot for doing little, wonder if any of those philosophers had to go through a real estate agent to sell their homes, that is the question.

Evil is...as evil does.

Sociopathic behavior is evil. Taking advantage of someone for ones own benefit is evil. Human beings, by nature and from birth, are guilty, at some point, of evil.

I will agree with you that real estate agents are inherently evil. I am evil, you are evil and all human beings, regardless of profession or faith, are also inherently evil. Evil is in all of us and has no cure. Psychosis however is not inherent yet, can be a treatable condition.

People experiencing psychosis may report hallucinations or delusional beliefs, and may exhibit personality changes and disorganized thinking. This may be accompanied by unusual or bizarre behaviour, as well as difficulty with social interaction and impairment in carrying out the activities of daily living.

Good Points

I believe the problem with the industry is that there are no barriers to entry and that the public comes into contact with poorly trained inexperienced licensees who drop the ball numerous times, leaving the client to tell others of their bad experiences.

Christopher

Yes, I would agree with your take on this. And thus, feel that being a good person and good real estate professional is sound advice, yet, holding ones self out to be more holly'er than now, is something that a Real Estate Agent should not be engaged in. Ego is important in sales, but an unearned ego in real estate is a problem and perhaps the industry ought to police the bad behavior that many real estate agents project in order to uplift the industry in the eyes of the public.For those who have an unearned ego about the whole thing, well, I say to you folks, how do you like the market now and how does that make you feel? - Lance

Steve,

Of course, I am just creating chaos and controversy to liven up the blogosphere, why? Because my friends that is how its done. Now then, Steve, I must tell you that I posted an article; "All Realtors are Great without Exception" it got 3 responses, one was mine? Interesting, so its true, Sound and Fury although signifying nothing is indeed a sense that gives humans purpose, even during the rain activity, soaking sunny Southern California today. - Lance

Dennis,

Agreed my friend, agreed. Well, it is true most of the time here is shared with more important projects, but at 47 trillion calculations a second, there is always time for this super computer to predict active rain, Not enough that NOAA has to build an ark and collect animals yet, but just thought I might round up a few of the evil species here online. Lance

Gordon,

I would concur with that observation, your comment is duly noted. Indeed, it is seen and we also know that the negative spreads faster than the positive and a disrespted homebuyer or seller will tell 20 people or more for months on end and a happily satisfied customer might tell 3-4 and you just gotta hope they turn into referrals worthy of note. Good debate point Gordon and yes training is important of course much comes on the job, so apprenticeships are almost needed? Team up an experienced agent with a newbie, of course an experienced agent might get a little irritated at times with such a training plan. - Lance

"I am what I am and that's all that I am."

20th century philosopher

This comment was in reply to Andrew, who made reference to;

A.) The car wash industry asking basically- what if someone condemned my industry?

B.) The post previously made about How Great All Realtors Are, you can find it on my blog if you look for it, it looks to some as being fecicious.

C.) This post as being some sort of Rant, its not, it is a philosophical question that some might feel offended by, Andrew wasn't seems to be level headed about the whole thing.

D.) Andrew, wishes me well and hopes that "I am finding what I am looking for here at ActiveRain" in reference to my comments and blog posting that make people think. Indeed, I enjoy ActiveRain, its cool and the people here are cool too. It's okay to laugh at yourself my dear friends, don't take things so personally. This blog post was posted to commedy group forum too, that's a clue for you.

D.) It sounded as if Andrew thinks I should apologize for this Blog Post, so, I provided one with a kicker, to make you think even more.

E.) Andrew has deleted his own post of his own free will, contrary to popular belief, I have never deleted any posted comments from anyone. I believe Andrew deleted his post to remain a more professional Blogger and Realtor, maintaining dignity and of course, I trust you did read the post above about professionals.

Below is my reply to Andrew;

Dear Andrew,

I am not one to defend the car wash industry, I have been the industry's sharpest critic, you are preaching to the choir. In fact, one only needs to see one episode of an expose on Sixty Minutes to know that the Car Wash Industry is lacking ethics.

Wasting Water,
Hiring Illegals,
Ripping people for hot wax deals that are bogus,
Crime magnets,
Environmental issues,
Awful smell,
Traffic causers,
Energy hogs,
Noise polluters,

Plus the employees often rip off change out of ashtrays and steal cell phones, jewelry, etc. and you know I must have written 300 articles on that subject.

Regarding "The Great Real Estate Agents" blog post was a political comment, that backed the POV of all those who vehemently defended the real estate industry, I thus, posted their comments back at them. Exactly what they want to hear, there it is, so they should be happy now. That's what they want to hear, so there it is. So, does the industry just want everyone to tell them that they are great? Sure, we can do that too, just did.

The Good VS. Evil blog comment here is merely a satire on Western Philosophy, and as applied to the real estate profession a comment on anyone who has an unearned ego, and/or those who believe their own self-proclaimed status. For those who think about it or "get it" it will not bother them, for those caught up in their own self-aggrandizement, well it might be bothersome. It did not seem to bother you much.

Glad to see you had your say, but indeed, in the end, this post was not about "ME" rather it is about the reader or "YOU" and so any comments to my character are nothing more than a ricochet away from the mirror that I suggest all real estate professionals and not so professional agents might wish to take a gander into and take a peak and tell us what they see? What do you see in your mirror? Are you happy with that, are you finding what you were looking for?

Now then, with that said, do you want an apology now? Okay, here it is:

"I am so sorry for bringing these issues to the forefront, I am helpless, tactless, unbecoming of a human, and drowning in my self pity, I am so sorry, please forgive me. I want so much to be loved and respected and tolerated and for everyone to want to read what I write. I need so much for all of you to agree with every word, that I am now willing to write only things that please you and make you feel happy, because this is our home and our country for our grandparents and parents and children and grandchildren, oh please, please forgive me, for I have created a Bloggosphere sin, of rain activity on the parade of marchers who stay in lock step of the mighty king in his boxer shorts. I want to be so much like everyone else, I truly want to belong and I am so, so very sorry. God bless all of you and thank you for setting me straight. I just want to be like everyone else. Gattican's Unite!"
Sincerely,
Lance

Christopher,

Well perhaps you are a sailor importing olive oil during the days of the Boston Tea Party watching onward as men dressed as indians have their say in a time and land before the bloggers had a place to stay? - Nice forearms and biceps my friend, eat your spinach to the end. - Lance

Lance, Respectfully I will delete my comments from your blog. But I never maligned your character. I never asked for an apology. I recognize your freedom of speech. I also recognize I'm a guest here. I can see myself out. P.S. Except from some scars, a busted nose and crooked teeth, yes, I'm satisfied when I look in the mirror.

Thanks for your support Lance.

Long Live the Queen!

Vive la difference!

JAN

2008

Your circular arguements made me dizzy! To me, the level of professional is a journey, and never an arrived destination. We should be ever learning, ever improving the level of knowledge and expertise. Unfortunately, there are bad apples in every business arena. Fortunately for the RE industry, there is a major shift underway towards relentless client representation and putting the client's needs first. As far as evil is concerned, "All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God."

Rich,

Yes, They make us all dizzy, I think that is why Philosophers get away with that? Otherwise they would have nothing to teach college students. Here is what I think of Western and Easter Philosophy:

http://www.worldthinktank.net/pdfs/limitlessthought.pdf

Philosophically speaking, I think you are probably right. - Lance

Scott,

Excellent Post there, yes, you are correct about this line of philosophical thought, in fact, its great too see others who have such a range of experience with philosophy, - Lance

Who you calling evil you sob. Lance you are the only evil one here to even bring this up. You challenge the experts in this field and then call them evil call that philosophy, that is horse sheet and you know it. Selling real estate is hard work how would you know hard work just becuase you can type on a computer. JHW

Professional: following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain.

You are a professional "car wash guy" or whatever you do. You are evil by your theories....everyone is evil if they have a profession. Everyone is evil. Well done Lance!

I'm glad i'm I am able to take each person individually, get to know them, and make a case by case decision on people.

Also, I am a licensed real estate agent, but not a "realtor" (a Realtor is only called this if they are a member of the National Association of Realtors), does that mean by your standards I'm not evil? Thank God I never paid for membership into that evil clan!!!

Lance,

Please keep up the great work. Your a tribute to this forum.

BTW,

I love your franchise concept.

Your bio speaks volumes of who and what you contribute to society.

OMG! This is hysterical, you sure are getting exactly what you struck out to do. Attention, drama...

Gotta laugh at us all....

Lance,

Wow...you really caught me off guard with that! The basis and points of this are intriguing...as a person fascinated by various philosophers mentioned in your text and in Scott Daniels' comment, I am always interested to see how various ancient words are interpreted. I am a Realtor and harbor no hostility or disdain for any other professionals in the industry. Prior to real estate, I sold cars and although there were some great people employed with me, there was always that salesperson who would sell their mother's underwear! I feel that karma is a %$#ch and anyone, regardless of trade or industry that sleeps at night after taking advantage of unsuspecting people will reap what they sow.

I really enjoyed reading this and all of the comments! Kudos to all willing to share their ideas and thoughts!

Happy Selling to All!

Laura,

Yes, I do agree that stereotyping industries and those who work in them into boxes of good and evil is most likely evil itself. So, apparently, everyone is evil and of course, I am a Saint for pointing this out? O. Lance

Lance,

LOL! Very interesting, as I said. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the comments, as well. The question is: does acknowledgement create omission?

Laura,

Ah ha, that is indeed the most interesting question of all, perhaps those who acknowledge such are indeed of a higher understanding of the reality and have the ability to not only look in their own mirror, but also laugh and smile and understand. That is an act that is good, so acting good is apart from acting evil. Perhaps, you have touched upon the ever ellusive journey to a higher place of enlightenment and away from evil. - Lance

Lance,

ROFLMHO (for those who are unaware, that is rolling on the floor laughing my head off)!! I guess this can simply be summarized with the following:

"The first and worst of all frauds is to cheat oneself." --- Gamaliel Bailey

"Adversity is the first path to truth." ---Lord Byron

Laura,

Excellent quotes, yes, lying to yourself is probably the easiest and the most hurtful to your life experience, there is no honor in living a lie. Adversity really is something that shows true character, and unveils the truth of the individual, excellent again. - Lance

Lance,

Throughout our exchange, I had a hunch what the response would be to my careful selection of quotes. I will have to read some more of your rather controversial blogs.

JAN

2008

Hey Mike,

Looking good there with your wife, glad to see you can relax and enjoy like, as you deserve it for being such a good guy and a good sport on this topic. Lance

hey Lance Having fun with the MASSES? lol, keep up the good work. there is no such thing as bad publicity

Steve,

Well, I think a little philosophy once in a while will mellow out the sound and fury of the peanut gallery with a little intellectual and humorous banter. Lance

JAN

2008

Wow Lance, Your post left no turn left unstoned. You gotta love it, or hate it, I'm not sure it matters who thinks I'm evil or thinks I'm good, as long as I do my job right. We live in a big world filled all kinds of opinions and beliefs, that's what makes life worth living. Great Post. I love the way you stir it up.

I'll be spending the rest of the afternoon wondering whether I'm evil or evil.

Lance, I am new to this blogging stuff and was a little confused by you at first, I thought you must be going through a divorce with a real estate agent?. Therefore, all real estate agents are evil! After reading through the exchanges, arent you so smart- I looked you right up to check you out and you have a nice a good business so it seems. More importantly, kudos to you for having your own foundation supporting youth organization in your area.

Good for you for making a difference

Audrey,

That's hilarious, a divorce with a real estate agent, I love it that's funny! No, just simple observations I see and have seen over the years and this post just mixes in a little of the old school philosophical question; Is man inherently good or evil. That's all. Not sure why all the interest in this blog post. I think real estate people are just paranoid, and think that people do not like them and blame them for the rough ride in our economy with regards to home values right now.

This post was merely a silly pun on philosophy and professions, more humorous than anything, but I think it went over a few people's heads.; Indeed, it is a jab at humanity and those who claim righteousness too, as it does make people think about themselves and their mirrors. Oh well, anyway, glad you enjoyed it. And yes, Kids are the future, so its a pretty serious issue. Lance

JAN

2008

Jimbo,

I am not saying that "real estate professionals" are crooks or theives or any of these things you are indicating, I do not "hate" anyone, this is about a philosophical question is all. Is "Man" inherently good or evil. Since real estate professionals are not aliens, they fall into that same category of "mankind" so, the question has been pondered and answered and that is all I am saying here Jimbo - Lance.

JAN

2008

Wow, way to stir the pot and get some comments! I believe you are a master manipulator, not quite evil but close.

Lance

You definitely have a gift! Most enjoyable read.

Peggy,

Just having fun with all the humans. Thanks for being such a good sport. Lance

Allison,

Not so sure if it is a gift or just a case of an accidental author? I got a D+ in Journalism in Jr. High School, which at the time was quite devastating, today, it's a badge of honor! Lance

JAN

2008

Hello Lance... On a recent episode of the Drew Carey TV Game-show Power of 10, one of the questions asked the contestants was; "What percentage of Americans think that Politicians are inherently corrupt?" The answer was 61%! I would guess the percentage would be near that for Real Estate Agents as well, since I agree with you that the general public often lumps us in the same category as used car salesmen, attorneys, etc.

Cheryl,

I believe that folks rate real estate agents one or two notches above lawyers and used car salesmen. But, I think it might be a good idea to work on that image a bit. Especially considering that this market will return one day, and that is not a fun image to have to overcome. We need some PR and show that real estate agents are really real estate consultants. Lance

Quite honestly I believe that people are inherently Dumb (meaning: lacking intelligence or good judgment; stupid; dull-witted.) Which when a Dumb person does somethingwrong it is perceived as STUPID (meaning Tending to make poor decisions or careless mistakes) which are then considered to be BAD (meaning: having a wicked or evil character; morally reprehensible) which leads us to the word EVIL (meaning: morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked). DUMB=STUPID=BAD=EVIL

Yeah I know this will stir the pot...

But people have NO concept of what is right or wrong unless they are taught these things. That's why as children when we behaved badly we were disciplined for the "BAD" thing we had done... And right and wrong vary from country to country and culture to culture....

Evil is a manmade term, so we will just have to go with it, especially if the very term BAD has evolved in to EVIL as your post states.

Good/Professionalism is a learnt behavior/act... Most people though not all recognize when mistakes were made (or the stove was hot) and they are careful not to make them again (or to touch a hot stove)

Those who throw caution to the wind and do whatever they please be it right or wrong have moved past the inherent nature... their study must now become a psychological one... What screw is loose in their noggin... Which of course will be left in the hands of a PROFESSIONAL in that Field....

Hopefully they are not inherently EVIL too......

JAN

2008

Actually Sara, I find your estimation and observations refreshing and on point. Often, I agree with you. Lance

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