The Wolves Within

Angels or Demons? Human Nature Through the Lens of Philosophy, Psychology, and History

When you look at this strange and intricate pattern, do you see white-winged angels silently flying through the air? Or do black-winged demons catch your eye, looming with their wings spread wide?

This is not just a simple image – it's a masterpiece by the renowned artist M.C. Escher, and it teaches us a profound truth about life: Good and evil are intertwined.

When you observe this picture closely, you won't see pure goodness or pure evil. Instead, you'll find both blended into each other – each reflecting the other. This is the reality that should make us pause and ask ourselves: "Am I also capable of evil?"

The Greatest Human Flaw Most of us see ourselves as good and others as bad. But the truth is, every human heart holds the potential for both good and evil. Sometimes good people take a wrong turn in a single moment, and sometimes those we deem “bad” find their way back to goodness.

Escher’s artwork reminds us that the line between virtue and vice is razor-thin and easily crossed – one choice, one moment, can tip us in either direction.

From this image, we come to realize three deep truths:

• The world has always been – and will always be – a blend of light and darkness.
• Every human being is engaged in an inner struggle between good and evil.
• The outcome of that struggle depends on our choices and intentions.

There’s a powerful parable that echoes this idea. A wise man once said: “The human body is merely a shell housing two wolves within.”

One wolf is made of arrogance, envy, greed, despair, lies, hypocrisy, self-deception, hatred, prejudice, dishonesty, rage, and false pride. The other wolf embodies humility, gratitude, selflessness, hope, truth, simplicity, love, justice, honesty, compassion, peace, faith, unity, and sincerity.

A student asked, “Which wolf wins?” The answer came: “The one you choose to feed.”

This is the very philosophy hidden within Escher's image. The battle between light and darkness rages inside us all. The wolf we nurture becomes our identity, our character, and ultimately our destiny.

Pride and Selfishness – The Real Human Prison According to philosopher Dante and modern psychologists, pride and selfishness are humanity’s greatest weaknesses. They are the inner wolves that hollow us out from within. People who think only of their own gain and desires trap themselves in cages of darkness. Outwardly, they may seem successful, but inwardly they are empty and unfulfilled – and that is their true punishment.

The Devil – A Reflection Within Historian Elaine Pagels puts it this way: “The devil is not an external enemy, but a reflection of our own inner flaws – envy, greed, anger, and arrogance.” We’re quick to point fingers at the evil in others, yet often blind to the darkness within ourselves.

Have we ever asked ourselves: Have I never hurt someone’s heart? Have I never lied? Have I never been consumed by jealousy, greed, or pride? If we’re honest, this image holds a mirror up to our souls and asks: Are we truly angels? Or have we unleashed the demons within?

Light or Darkness – The Choice is Ours Each human heart holds a flicker of light and a shadow of darkness. The choice is ours – which path will we take? If we choose to feed the good wolf within, our lives will be filled with light, peace, and greatness. But if we unleash the bad wolf, it will devour us from the inside out.

A Lesson for Us All No title, status, or position defines a person as good or evil. Only their actions, intentions, and will determine that. If we learn to recognize our flaws, reduce our inner darkness, and nurture our inner light – we can create a better world.

The Final Question – To Ourselves, For Ourselves: “Am I also capable of evil?” And if the answer is yes – can I grow my light enough to overcome the darkness?

The decision is entirely in our hands.

This piece is not just an explanation of an image – it’s an invitation to self-reflection and transformation. Share it with your friends and loved ones, so they too can recognize the wolves within – and choose goodness, love, and peace.