Because the horror of Communism, Stalinism, is not that…
![“Because the horror of Communism, Stalinism, is not that bad people do bad things — they always do. It's that good people do horrible things thinking they are doing something great." [ Six Questions for Slavoj Žižek , Harper's Magazine, November 11, 2011]” quote by Slavoj Žižek](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/e9e/slavoj-i-ek-1738_bad-people_because-the-horror-of-communism-stalinis_1900927.jpg)
““Because the horror of Communism, Stalinism, is not that bad people do bad things — they always do. It's that good people do horrible things thinking they are doing something great." [ Six Questions for Slavoj Žižek , Harper's Magazine, November 11, 2011]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He warns that ordinary people can commit atrocities when convinced they serve a higher cause, highlighting moral blindness.
In simple terms: Good people can do evil if they think it serves a noble goal.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and motives behind actions.
Themes
morality
politics
obedience
Mood
critical
cautionary
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political activism
- military service
- corporate decisions
- social movements
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
totalitarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- When do we become complicit in injustice?
- How can we foster critical self‑reflection?
A Different Perspective
People may rationalize harmful acts as necessary, complicating accountability.