[M. Thatcher]

I don’t believe that you have the ability to discern evil from mental illness merely by looking into one’s eyes

You haven't had the experience. Most people haven't. When it happens, it is so unmistakable you know in your bones, or soul, or gut, or someplace deeper you aren't even aware of. It is always a shock. You aren't anticipating seeing it. You aren't planning to see it; it's never been in your mind before, to look into someone's eyes and think, "This is evil." But when you are held in the grip of that stare and you see that dead, black, hate-driven fury, you just go cold with terror and shock. You just know. Instantly. You don't WANT to know this. You just want out of there. It is repulsive and horrifying and terrifying at a gut-punch level you instantly realize you aren't equipped to deal with.

You should thank God you've never seen it.

[dmz]

You should thank God you’ve never seen it.

<><><><

What you have described I have seen. In the face of my ‘in the grips of psychosis’ mother. Several times. I’ve seen exactly what you describe. It was mental illness.

No less scary, no less horrifying than your description of evil, and certainly not anything I was prepared to cope with. But I did. Because I had to. Dad was already gone.

I know (as know for a fact) that I am expressing an opinion. Plain and simple. Do you have that same realization, or are you suggesting that what you know is fact?

[Smokin' Joe]

I am sorry it exists, but glad I have seen it. The difference between the vapid and frightened look of madness, even in its violent throes reacting at its core to fear...versus the cold, almost smirking precision of those who have embraced evil. The first time it is a bit of a shock, the next time, you know what you are dealing with.

The eyes are indeed the window to the soul...