Extremism Quote by C.S. Lewis
““Suppose one reads a story of filthy atrocities in the paper. Then suppose that something turns up suggesting that the story might not be quite true, or not quite so bad as it was made out. Is one's first feeling, 'Thank God, even they aren't quite so bad as that,' or is it a feeling of disappointment, and even a determination to cling to the first story for the sheer pleasure of thinking your enemies are as bad as possible? If it is the second then it is, I am afraid, the first step in a process which, if followed to the end, will make us into devils. You see, one is beginning to wish that black was a little blacker. If we give that wish its head, later on we shall wish to see grey as black, and then to see white itself as black. Finally we shall insist on seeing everything -- God and our friends and ourselves included -- as bad, and not be able to stop doing it: we shall be fixed for ever in a universe of pure hatred.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Weight of Glory, 1949
Relishing false narratives of evil fuels hatred; it escalates moral distortion and dehumanization.
In simple terms: Enjoying villainous stories breeds hatred.
Key Takeaway
Resist sensationalism; seek truth.
Themes
ethics
media literacy
humanity
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- news consumption
- political discourse
- social media
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
moral relativism
propaganda
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives us to prefer villainous narratives?
- How can we cultivate critical empathy?
A Different Perspective
People may cling to comforting myths despite evidence.
