Community Quote by Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach
“Little evil would be done in the world if evil never could be done in the name of good.”
About This Quote
Source Short story: "The Little Evil", Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach, 1885
If evil is never justified as good, many harmful acts would not occur; the moral framing of actions enables wrongdoing.
In simple terms: Justifying evil as good enables harm.
Key Takeaway
Question the moral framing of actions.
Themes
ethics
morality
justification
evil
good
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- Political rhetoric
- Corporate decisions
- Personal choices
Key Concepts
Moral relativism
Consequentialism
Psychology of justification
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you seen good used to excuse bad?
- How can we expose hidden motives?
A Different Perspective
People often rationalize harmful acts despite clear harm.
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