Barbarism Quote by Simone Weil
“I would suggest that barbarism be considered as a permanent and universal human characteristic which becomes more or less pronounced according to the play of circumstances.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Need for Roots", 1949
Human nature includes a tendency toward cruelty that varies with circumstances.
In simple terms: People can be cruel depending on context.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and mitigate situational cruelty.
Themes
human nature
ethics
circumstances
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- war
- politics
- workplace dynamics
Key Concepts
moral psychology
social determinism
Questions to Reflect On
- What situations bring out the worst in people?
- Can societies reduce inherent brutality?
A Different Perspective
Not all cruelty is conscious; structural factors play a role.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
![“[Much] as war attracts me and fascinates my mind with its tremendous situations, I feel more deeply every year . . . what vile and wicked folly and barbarism it all is.” quote by Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e15/winston-churchill-95_barbarism_much-as-war-attracts-me-and-fascinates-m_68452.jpg)
