Capable Quote by Gregory Maguire
“I never use the words HUMANIST or HUMANITARIAN, as it seems to me that to be human is to be capable of the most heinous crimes in nature.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Night Gardener, 2015
Rejects labels “humanist” and “humanitarian” arguing humanity can commit extreme evil.
In simple terms: Humanity can be capable of great evil.
Key Takeaway
Question the assumptions behind moral labels.
Themes
philosophy
morality
human nature
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- ethical debates
- philosophical discussions
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
evil
human capacity
Questions to Reflect On
- Do labels help or hinder moral discourse?
- Can humanity be both good and evil?
A Different Perspective
Labels can inspire positive action despite flaws.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
