Compelled Quote by Plato
“To prefer evil to good is not in human nature; and when a man is compelled to choose one of two evils, no one will choose the greater when he might have the less.”
About This Quote
Source Dialogue: Gorgias, Plato, 380 BC
Choosing the lesser evil is natural; people avoid the greater evil when a lesser option exists.
In simple terms: People prefer the lesser evil.
Key Takeaway
Seek the lesser evil when faced with bad choices.
Themes
ethics
human nature
choice
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political dilemmas
- personal ethics
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
decision theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What determines a “lesser” evil?
- Can true good be achieved without compromise?
A Different Perspective
Sometimes the lesser evil still causes harm.
![“Of evils one should choose the least. [Lat., Ex malis eligere minima oportere.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_evil_of-evils-one-should-choose-the-least-lat_895472.jpg)
![“I've written a lot of other books and this book [Tears we cannot stop] was different. I couldn't just say what I wanted to say in the same style that I said it in those other books. I felt compelled to preach.” quote by Michael Eric Dyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f3e/michael-eric-dyson-1424_book_i-ve-written-a-lot-of-other-books-and-th_45441.jpg)
