Crime Quote by Robert Anton Wilson
““Getting even was the basis of many primate semantic confusions, such as"expropriating the expropriators," "an absolute crime demands an absolute penalty," "they did it to me so I can do it to them," and, in general, the emotional mathematics of "one plus one equals zero" (1 + 1 = 0). The primates were so dumb they didn't realize that one plus one equals two (1 + 1 = 2) and one murder plus one murder equals two murders, one crime plus one crime equals two crimes, etc.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Cosmic Trigger I by Robert Anton Wilson, 1977
Human tendency to seek revenge creates false equivalences that distort logic and morality.
In simple terms: Revenge leads to illogical thinking.
Key Takeaway
Avoid retaliatory logic.
Themes
revenge
logic
morality
psychology
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- justice reform
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
reciprocity bias
emotional mathematics
cognitive distortion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does retaliation affect rational decision making?
- Can forgiveness replace the need for equal retaliation?
A Different Perspective
Revenge can perpetuate cycles of harm.
