Angry Quote by Robert Thurman
“Take the example of people who are being most unrealistic - people who are beating monks to death and torturing them. Why shouldn't you be angry or hate that person? Well, the person who is doing that is very unhappy. They are being ordered by a higher-up.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Buddhist Ethics, 2005
Unreasonable violence stems from deep unhappiness and obedience to higher authority, not personal malice.
In simple terms: Violence comes from suffering and orders, not hate.
Key Takeaway
Address the root causes of suffering.
Themes
compassion
authority
violence
Mood
empathetic
serious
Type
ethical
reflective
When to use this quote
- social activism
- conflict resolution
- leadership training
Key Concepts
Buddhist ethics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we reduce suffering that fuels violence?
- What role does authority play in moral choices?
A Different Perspective
Violence may also be driven by self‑preservation or ideology.
