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So then, in a pleading tone, he whispers: Why did you make…

“So then, in a pleading tone, he whispers: Why did you make me? I never wanted to be made… For propaganda, of course. It’s all in your own book. How can we persuade others to be good, without evil we can point to?” quote by William T. Vollmann
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““So then, in a pleading tone, he whispers: Why did you make me? I never wanted to be made… For propaganda, of course. It’s all in your own book. How can we persuade others to be good, without evil we can point to?””

William T. Vollmann

About This Quote

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

The speaker questions the morality of creating beings for propaganda, highlighting the paradox of needing evil to define goodness.

In simple terms: Creating beings for propaganda creates moral paradox.

Key Takeaway

Consider the ethical cost of using evil as a tool.

Themes

ethics propaganda creation morality paradox

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical questioning

When to use this quote

  • film making
  • political messaging
  • philosophical debate
  • creative responsibility

Key Concepts

existentialism utilitarianism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it possible to inspire good without referencing evil?
  • What alternatives exist to propaganda?
A Different Perspective

Using evil to persuade can backfire and erode trust.

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