--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To summarize, then, our three…" description: "\"“To summarize, then, our three requirements for a good theory of assholes are as follows. We are looking for (1) a stable trait of character, (2) that ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1cf/aaron-james-28681_character_to-summarize-then-our-three-requirements_1004782.jpg" --- # To summarize, then, our three requirements for a good… ![“To summarize, then, our three requirements for a good theory of assholes are as follows. We are looking for (1) a stable trait of character, (2) that leads a person to impose only small or moderate material costs upon others, (3) but that nevertheless qualifies the person as morally repugnant.” quote by Aaron James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1cf/aaron-james-28681_character_to-summarize-then-our-three-requirements_1004782.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1cf/aaron-james-28681_character_to-summarize-then-our-three-requirements_1004782.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1cf/aaron-james-28681_character_to-summarize-then-our-three-requirements_1004782.jpg) > ““To summarize, then, our three requirements for a good theory of assholes are as follows. We are looking for (1) a stable trait of character, (2) that leads a person to impose only small or moderate material costs upon others, (3) but that nevertheless qualifies the person as morally repugnant.”” [Aaron James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-james/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A good theory of assholes requires a stable negative trait, modest harm to others, yet strong moral repugnance. **In simple terms:** Identifies a specific type of immoral behavior. Key Takeaway Recognize and avoid such traits. Themes ethics character social behavior Mood critical thoughtful Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - workplace interactions - online communities - political discourse - personal relationships Key Concepts moral psychology trait theory Questions to Reflect On - How do you address subtle harmful traits? - Can someone change this trait? A Different Perspective Not all harmful behavior fits this narrow definition. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) ## Related quotes > [People of relatively low intelligence can be morally wonderful if they desire the right and the good (not necessarily under the description "right" or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nomy-arpaly/people-of-relatively-low-intelligence-can-be-morally-wonderful-if/) [Nomy Arpaly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nomy-arpaly/) > [“6. There is no Mortal who is Non-Moral or Purely Immoral. 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Although our theory is a definition of the term “asshole,” we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-james/of-view-may-show-that-he-is-not-getting-the-respect-he-deserves/) [Aaron James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-james/) > [“Fully cooperative people, we may say, see themselves as equals, as having grounds for special treatment only in special circumstances that others will equally…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-james/fully-cooperative-people-we-may-say-see-themselves-as-equals-as/) [Aaron James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-james/) > [“and third things a theory of assholes should explain are related and must be handled with greater care. 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