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We have a duty to warn on an individual basis if we are…

“We have a duty to warn on an individual basis if we are treating someone who may be dangerous to herself or to others - a duty to warn people who are in danger from that person. We feel it's our duty to warn the country about the danger of this president. If we think we have learned something…” quote by Robert Jay Lifton
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“We have a duty to warn on an individual basis if we are treating someone who may be dangerous to herself or to others - a duty to warn people who are in danger from that person. We feel it's our duty to warn the country about the danger of this president. If we think we have learned something about Donald Trump and his psychology that is dangerous to the country, yes, we have an obligation to say so.”

Robert Jay Lifton

About This Quote

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

Professionals must alert individuals and society when a person poses a serious risk, especially if that risk could affect national safety.

In simple terms: Warn when someone is dangerous to self or others, including leaders.

Key Takeaway

Speak up about dangerous behavior.

Themes

ethics responsibility public safety

Mood

concerned serious

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • clinical practice
  • government policy
  • media reporting

Key Concepts

duty to warn risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we verify threats before warning?
  • When should privacy yield to safety?
A Different Perspective

Balancing free speech with potential panic can be tricky.

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