Bad people Quote by Philip Zimbardo
“Whoever has the power to label others as evil is automatically, or reflexively, the good person. Good people label bad people as evil. And once you do that, then it demonizes them. You don't negotiate with evil. You don't sit down at the table with the devil and say, "Okay, let's work this out." What you want to do is destroy evil. Every Catholic kid every night says, or should say, "Lead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil." And so you've got to go to God to help you deal with evil rather than your State Department or your negotiators.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on moral labeling, 2015
Labeling others as evil simplifies moral judgments, positioning the labeler as virtuous while demonizing the target.
In simple terms: Calling others evil makes us feel good and avoids negotiation.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the danger of moral shortcuts.
Themes
morality
labeling
conflict
power
ethics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political negotiations
- personal relationships
- media discourse
- legal judgments
Key Concepts
psychology
social identity
dehumanization
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling affect your perception of conflict?
- Can you see alternatives to demonizing opponents?
A Different Perspective
Such labeling can hinder empathy and constructive dialogue.
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