The worst crimes are not committed by evil degenerates…
“The worst crimes are not committed by evil degenerates, but by decent and intelligent people taking 'pragmatic' decisions.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Ordinary intelligent can commit grave wrongs when they rationalize harmful choices as pragmatic.
In simple terms: Decent people can act evil pragmatically
Key Takeaway
Question rational decisions that harm others
Themes
ethics
psychology
power
Mood
cautionary
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- policy making
- personal relationships
- law enforcement
Key Concepts
moral relativism
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you justified a harmful act as practical?
- What safeguards prevent pragmatic evil?
A Different Perspective
Pragmatism can mask unethical behavior