The people who kill and torture and tell lies in the name…
“The people who kill and torture and tell lies in the name of their sacred causes, these are never the publicans and the sinners. No, they're the virtuous, respectable men, who have the finest feelings, the best brains, the noblest ideals.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People who claim virtue can commit terrible acts under the guise of noble causes
In simple terms: Virtue can hide cruelty
Key Takeaway
Question authority and motives behind noble claims
Themes
hypocrisy
power
morality
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political activism
- journalism
- leadership
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
political critique
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Who do you trust when claims of virtue arise?
- How can societies guard against corrupt righteousness?
A Different Perspective
Not all who appear virtuous are ethical