Choose Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Of evils one should choose the least. [Lat., Ex malis eligere minima oportere.]”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On Moral Duties, Book I, 1.2
Choose the lesser evil when faced with multiple wrongs, minimizing harm.
In simple terms: Pick the smaller wrong.
Aim for the least harmful option.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political negotiations
- legal judgments
- personal dilemmas
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is any evil acceptable if it’s the smallest?
- How do you assess which evil is lesser?
Choosing the lesser evil may still perpetuate harm.