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Causes Quote by Lincoln Steffens

“It is privilege that causes evil in the world, not wickedness, and not men.” quote by Lincoln Steffens
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“It is privilege that causes evil in the world, not wickedness, and not men.”

Lincoln Steffens

About This Quote

Source Article: "The Shame of the Cities", 1904

Evil stems from privileged power, not merely personal wickedness or malevolent men.

In simple terms: Privilege breeds evil more than intent.

Key Takeaway

Address systemic inequality.

Themes

power privilege evil social justice

Mood

critical serious

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy reform
  • community activism
  • education programs

Key Concepts

structural inequality morality political economy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What privileges enable harm?
  • How can individuals counter systemic evil?
A Different Perspective

Changing power structures is complex and slow.

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