--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The worst crimes are not committed by…" description: "\"The worst crimes are not committed by evil degenerates, but by decent and intelligent people taking 'pragmatic' decisions.\" — Colin Wilson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fcc/colin-wilson-8331_committed_the-worst-crimes-are-not-committed-by-ev_3066472.jpg" --- # The worst crimes are not committed by evil degenerates… ![“The worst crimes are not committed by evil degenerates, but by decent and intelligent people taking 'pragmatic' decisions.” quote by Colin Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fcc/colin-wilson-8331_committed_the-worst-crimes-are-not-committed-by-ev_3066472.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fcc/colin-wilson-8331_committed_the-worst-crimes-are-not-committed-by-ev_3066472.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fcc/colin-wilson-8331_committed_the-worst-crimes-are-not-committed-by-ev_3066472.jpg) > “The worst crimes are not committed by evil degenerates, but by decent and intelligent people taking 'pragmatic' decisions.” [Colin Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colin-wilson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Ordinary intelligent can commit grave wrongs when they rationalize harmful choices as pragmatic. **In simple terms:** Decent people can act evil pragmatically Key Takeaway Question rational decisions that harm others Themes ethics psychology power Mood cautionary serious Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - business decisions - policy making - personal relationships - law enforcement Key Concepts moral relativism cognitive bias Questions to Reflect On - When have you justified a harmful act as practical? - What safeguards prevent pragmatic evil? A Different Perspective Pragmatism can mask unethical behavior ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Crime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/crime/) [Decision](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decision/) [Evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil/) [Intelligent people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligent-people/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Pragmatic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pragmatic/) ## Related quotes > [Realism in foreign policy is made up of a clear set of values, since difficult foreign policy decisions are often decided with the narrowest…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-a-kissinger/realism-in-foreign-policy-is-made-up-of-a-clear-set-of-values-since/) [Henry A. Kissinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-a-kissinger/) > [I find Nigeria very frustrating. I am not alone in this. There are many Nigerians abroad. 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