[justjim]

Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan

Gateway crime is a catchy phrase, but, is true.

The reality is once a habit is developed, it is easier to incorporate additional similar behaviors and make them habits. And it snowballs.

Motivational speakers have known this for decades. Repeatedly committing a crime makes it a habit, the same as repeated walking, or feeding the poor, etc, etc.

It doesn't matter if the behavior is positive or negative, repeating it will lead to it becoming a habit.

Many moons ago in a college course that I took the same was said about human behavior. Generally speaking you are spot on. Good behaviors breeds good behavior and bad behavior breeds bad behavior. Nothing complicated at all and makes common sense. Behavior can be changed but that can be complicated and difficult.