Evil Quote by Bret Easton Ellis
“Is evil something you are? Or is it something you do?”
About This Quote
Source Novel: American Psycho, 1991
Evil is defined by actions rather than inherent nature.
In simple terms: Evil is what you do, not what you are.
Key Takeaway
Judge by deeds, not labels.
Themes
morality
behavior
identity
Mood
thought‑provoking
philosophical
Type
ethical
psychological
When to use this quote
- judgment
- personal responsibility
- social interaction
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you separate intent from outcome?
- Can one be inherently evil?
A Different Perspective
Some argue innate traits influence behavior.
![“Evil cannot be "treated" -- nor should it be. Evil has to [be] confronted and destroyed and it matters not why the evil is in play. Society has no obligation to try to rehabilitate evil.” quote by Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b89/bill-o-reilly-1019_destroyed_evil-cannot-be-treated-nor-should-it-be_3597.jpg)
