---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To make others less happy is a crime. To…"
description: "\"To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts.\" — Roger Ebert"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e81/roger-ebert-655_crime_to-make-others-less-happy-is-a-crime-to_1645921.jpg"
---

#  To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves…

![“To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts.” quote by Roger Ebert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e81/roger-ebert-655_crime_to-make-others-less-happy-is-a-crime-to_1645921.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e81/roger-ebert-655_crime_to-make-others-less-happy-is-a-crime-to_1645921.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e81/roger-ebert-655_crime_to-make-others-less-happy-is-a-crime-to_1645921.jpg)

> “To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts.”

[Roger Ebert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-ebert/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Harming others brings pain, but self‑inflicted misery is the root of all wrongdoing, highlighting internal suffering as the source of harm.

**In simple terms:** Self‑destruction fuels harmful actions.

Key Takeaway

Address inner unhappiness first.

Themes

psychology ethics self‑awareness

Mood

somber introspective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- personal growth
- conflict resolution
- social interactions

Key Concepts

moral philosophy mental health

Questions to Reflect On

- What inner pains drive your negative actions?
- How can you transform self‑unhappiness into compassion?

A Different Perspective

Self‑harm may not be recognized as a crime; societal views vary.

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