Activate Quote by Konrad Lorenz
“The distance at which all shooting weapons take effect screens the killer against the stimulus sensation which would otherwise activate his killing inhibitions. The deep, emotional layers of our personality simply do not register the fact that the crooking of the finger to release a shot tears the entrails of another man.”
About This Quote
Source Book: On Aggression by Konrad Lorenz, 1963
When distance is close, shooters suppress moral inhibition, allowing violence.
In simple terms: Proximity can override moral restraint in violence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize distance’s role in aggression.
Themes
violence
morality
psychology
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- combat training
- law enforcement
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
behavioral inhibition
proxemics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does distance influence your ethical decisions?
- Can you create buffers to reduce aggression?
A Different Perspective
May not apply to non‑lethal contexts.
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