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Cruelty Quote by George Bernard Shaw

“There is in man a specific lust for cruelty which infects even his passion of pity and makes it savage.” quote by George Bernard Shaw
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“There is in man a specific lust for cruelty which infects even his passion of pity and makes it savage.”

George Bernard Shaw

About This Quote

Source Play: Man and Superman, 1903

Human nature harbors a deep cruelty that can corrupt even compassionate feelings, turning them savage.

In simple terms: Cruelty can poison pity.

Key Takeaway

Beware of hidden cruelty.

Themes

human nature cruelty compassion psychology

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • social policy
  • justice systems
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

moral corruption emotional conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does cruelty manifest in everyday interactions?
  • Can compassion survive in a cruel environment?
A Different Perspective

Cruelty may be rationalized, obscuring accountability.

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