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Later, with time, I learned that although all men are…

“Later, with time, I learned that although all men are capable of good and evil, the worst among them are those who, when they commit evil, do so by shielding themselves in the authority of others, in their subordination, or in the excuse of following orders. And even worse are those who believe…” quote by Arturo Pérez-Reverte
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“Later, with time, I learned that although all men are capable of good and evil, the worst among them are those who, when they commit evil, do so by shielding themselves in the authority of others, in their subordination, or in the excuse of following orders. And even worse are those who believe they are justified by their God.”

Arturo Pérez-Reverte

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People commit evil by hiding behind authority, obedience, or divine justification, making accountability vague.

In simple terms: Evil hides behind orders and belief.

Key Takeaway

Question authority and personal responsibility.

Themes

morality authority evil

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • military orders
  • corporate misconduct
  • religious extremism

Key Concepts

ethical responsibility psychology of obedience theology

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you followed orders you doubted?
  • How do you balance obedience with moral judgment?
A Different Perspective

The view may oversimplify complex motivations behind wrongdoing.

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