1.Is evil an actual "thing" or a state of mind?
it's a state of mind. it does not exist outside of ourselves. it does not exist outside of our minds.
2.Is evil a part of the universe or only a consequence of something having to do with mankind?
nature is neither good or evil. only indifferent. so it's something having to do with mankind.
3.What causes evil? Or, do you regard it as causeless?
ignorance is not evil. arrogance is evil.
4.Can you personally eliminate evil?
only by killing everyone.
really though, if evil, as per the definition, is a product of humanity, then no, we cannot eliminate it. everyone would have to agree morally in order for evil to be eliminated. since one man's "good", is another man's "bad", i don't see this happening.
evil:
- morally bad or wrong; "evil purposes"; "an evil influence"; "evil deeds"
- morally objectionable behavior
- depraved: having the nature of vice
- that which causes harm or destruction or misfortune; "the evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones"- Shakespeare
- tending to cause great harm
- the quality of being morally wrong in principle or practice; "attempts to explain the origin of evil in the world"
- malefic: having or exerting a malignant influence; "malevolent stars"; "a malefic force"
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn