Why do people do evil knowing that it’s evil? 

                    Once we are born we are taught the difference between right and wrong. However, as ironic as it is, evil is a quick and easy shortcut to many positive aspects in life. In William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, it is truly demonstrated the reasons behind knowingly evil actions. To any master plan, it is always ignited by an idea or hope. At the beginning of the play when Macbeth and Banquo find the witches, Macbeth is granted with a multiple prophecy’s, one of which stating that he will become king of Scotland. This sounds outrageous to the two men, though as a prophecy comes true (become thane of Cawdor), its hard to ignore the spark of hope and desire that is lit within Macbeth himself. As he sits and stirs with the small glance of hope he can’t help but ignore the glory of being king. To have something better than what one already has, is a thing that anyone would want. However, there are some who’s hunger and greed for greatness overpower their true senses: “I am thane of Cawdor. If good, why do I yield to that suggestion” (I,iii, 157-158). Macbeth is yearning for the magnificence of a king, he can’t disregard the building inpatient willpower to do whatever possible to achieve his goal. The fact that he realizes the fault in wanting to kill the king proves that human’s know it is wrong. Furthermore, proving that it is rather difficult to help but think and follow through on their evil notions. While the play goes on, and the plan to kill the king starts to elaborate, Macbeth’s cowardice takes control and he backs down from his original objective. Likewise, when one gets down or looses sight of their goal they often need someone there to push them to keep going. And that is exactly what Lady Macbeth does as she states, “Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem” (I, VII, 41-43). She begins to encourage and try to persuade him in to not giving up, though soon begins to insult him and his manhood. Hearing this Macbeth is not only surely offended but disappointed in himself for letting his wife down. Whilst Lady Macbeth sustained her rant for a king’s glorified life, she manages to inspire his will to not only get the crown but impress his wife and prove his manhood. When the blood thirst play comes to an end, our eyes now see how aspiration, avarice and peer pressure can lead someone to willingly act in the name of the devil. At then of the day, humans are the most selfish beings to ever walk the face of the earth.