Skip to content

We take comfort in the notion of an unbridgeable gulf…

“We take comfort in the notion of an unbridgeable gulf between good and evil, but maybe we should understand, as Zimbardo's work suggested, that evil is incremental - something we are all capable of, given the right circumstances.” quote by Shane Bauer
Download Open image
““We take comfort in the notion of an unbridgeable gulf between good and evil, but maybe we should understand, as Zimbardo's work suggested, that evil is incremental - something we are all capable of, given the right circumstances.””

Shane Bauer

About This Quote

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

Evil is not a single monstrous act but a gradual process that anyone can partake in under certain conditions, as shown by Zimbardo’s studies.

In simple terms: Evil can develop slowly in ordinary people.

Key Takeaway

Be vigilant of incremental harm.

Themes

ethics human nature evil psychology situational factors

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • workplace dynamics
  • political movements
  • personal choices

Key Concepts

incremental corruption social influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do circumstances enable wrongdoing?
  • Can small harms accumulate?
A Different Perspective

Evil may be overstated in some contexts.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More Ethics quotes

Browse all 4,548 Ethics quotes