The debate between good and evil as innate traits in humans is controversial as to whether one trait dominates over another, whether homeostasis is the case at birth, or whether neither neither exists at the moment of a baby's first breath. It is common to disagree about the origins of these arguments based on one's beliefs, whether of religious, moral, or economic value. However, despite these conflicting views, one theme remains constant, true and recognized throughout human history: everyone has their own beliefs. Steinbeck uses this generalization as a platform for his belief that virtue and vice are both innate characteristics, and that this conflict between good and evil is the one and only battle that humans fight throughout their lives. and throughout the continuum of time in which humans have existed. Steinbeck illustrates that evil, without exception, is a pervasive and inevitable trait for all humans. Every creature is born evil, but Steinbeck demonstrates in East of Eden that every human possesses the innate ability to overcome it through personal choices by diverging from perceptions of reality based on disillusioned fragments, imagined realism, and personal choices. This ability to overcome is the good of all humans. Throughout the novel, Steinbeck explores perception, whether born from nature, nurture, or unique circumstances, as a medium to disillusionment. Perception is the primary factor in effectively determining the differences between good and evil, as dictated by societal norms and the unrelenting beliefs of "good" humans considered "righteous" throughout history. It highlights this belief through irrational views conveyed by Adam, the protagonist, and, paradoxically, these views that Adam himself sees...... middle of paper ......all evil or the obvious historical parallelisms occurring subtly deliberately in reality. We cannot escape evil. All humans have it. All humans can overcome it. This ability to overcome is the good of all humans: “We only have one story… Vice always has a new, young face, while virtue is venerable like nothing else in the world is” (Steinbeck 443). Good is immortal and survives through our choices, while evil dies when overused, as Cathy does, and only returns when willful ignorance and naivety are put into perspective, as well as self-induced . Adam and Abel represent the essence of being human – good and evil. Evil is the Cathy that humans must defeat with righteous choices. Charles and Cal are the examples that prove that overcoming innate evil with everyday moral choices is a certain possibility, a difficult path and a worthy path..