Absolutely Evil

[Boromir88]

In my story I do not deal in Absolute Evil. I do not think there is such a thing, since that is Zero. I do not think at any rate any 'rational being' is wholly evil.... In my story Sauron represents as near an approach to wholly evil will as is possible.~Letter #183

I ran across this letter and started thinking about what is "absolute evil," and how Tolkien thinks about it. Now he says in his writings there is no absolute, or whole evil (and I think I'll take his word for it ), but Sauron is the closest to being absolutely evil.

I've been thinking what is "absolute evil" and can anything actually be absolutely evil? Tolkien didn't seem to agree with anything being absolutely evil, but can someone be "wholly evil?"

I think of absolute evil in a few different ways, perhaps it's just sums up everything, but...
1) Being evil from the very first breath to your very last. Which I've always believed that no one is "born" evil, we all have the capability of doing evil, but I just don't think that someone can be evil right as a baby.

2) Eru being the creator here and I think the representation of absolute good...I mean Tolkien doesn't say there isn't an absolute good? So, if Eru is the absolute good and he is the creator of everything, can he create something absolutely evil? Can he create an equal and opposite force?

3) One beyond any ounce or smidget of good in them whatsoever. I mean Sauron doesn't go around starting war and killing people unless he has to...which I guess is a good thing. He offers treaties and basically says "be my slaves for the rest of your pathetic life," but hey he doesn't ruthlessly go around just destroying everyone...then there would be no one to rule .

I think that sums it about up, of course I'd love to hear your input.