Conscience Quote by M. Scott Peck
“When any institution becomes large and compartmentalized, with departments and subdepartments, then the conscience of the institution will often become so fragmented and diluted as to be virtually nonexistent, and the organization becomes inherently evil.”
About This Quote
Source Book: People of the Lie, M. Scott Peck, 1983
Large, compartmentalized institutions dilute collective conscience, leading to moral failure and systemic evil.
In simple terms: Big organizations can lose moral sense.
Key Takeaway
Guard ethical integrity at all levels.
Themes
ethics
organization
morality
power
responsibility
Mood
cautious
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- corporate governance
- government agencies
- nonprofits
- universities
- military units
Key Concepts
institutional fragmentation
moral dilution
systemic evil
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we maintain moral accountability in large institutions?
- What mechanisms prevent ethical erosion?
A Different Perspective
Even with structures, individuals may still act unethically; oversight is needed.
