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managers did that as a warning but also for amusement…

“managers did that as a warning but also for amusement. They enjoyed it. Making people suffer, competing in cruelties, was a vice they had contracted from engaging so frequently in flagellations, beatings, and tortures. Often, when they were drunk, they looked for pretexts for their blood games.” quote by Mario Vargas Llosa
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““managers did that as a warning but also for amusement. They enjoyed it. Making people suffer, competing in cruelties, was a vice they had contracted from engaging so frequently in flagellations, beatings, and tortures. Often, when they were drunk, they looked for pretexts for their blood games.””

Mario Vargas Llosa

About This Quote

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

The passage depicts how those in power derive pleasure from inflicting suffering, using cruelty as entertainment and a means to assert dominance.

In simple terms: Powerful people sometimes enjoy hurting others for fun.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and resist abusive authority.

Themes

power abuse violence psychology control

Mood

disturbing critical reflective

Type

analytical warning cautionary

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • political regimes
  • military units
  • prison systems
  • online harassment

Key Concepts

sadism authoritarianism social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does authority become corrupted by cruelty?
  • What safeguards can prevent abuse of power?
A Different Perspective

Such cruelty often masks deeper insecurity and can be challenged by collective resistance.

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