Evil Quote by Joyce Carol Oates
““evil' is after all a relative term: there being a minor and pragmatical sort, to be disposed of as one swats a fly, and a vast, all-encompassing, one might say universal sort, that must be halted by any means at hand.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Nature of Evil,” 1998
Evil can be trivial or overwhelming; both require active resistance, regardless of scale.
In simple terms: Both small and huge evils must be stopped.
Key Takeaway
Act against wrongdoing, big or small.
Themes
morality
resistance
scale
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- daily life
- political decisions
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
ethical vigilance
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What “evil” do you ignore?
- How can you confront both levels?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on minor evils may distract from larger threats.
![“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)
