Agents Quote by Stanley Milgram
“Ordinary people, simply doing their jobs, and without any particular hostility on their part, can become agents in a terrible destructive process.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Obedience to Authority, Stanley Milgram, 1974
Ordinary people can unintentionally support harmful systems when they follow orders without questioning.
In simple terms: People may aid wrongdoing by simply doing their jobs.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and evaluate impact of actions.
Themes
ethics
social influence
obedience
responsibility
power dynamics
Mood
thoughtful
critical
concerned
Type
ethical
social
When to use this quote
- workplace
- government
- military
- community projects
- everyday decisions
Key Concepts
conformity
moral psychology
systemic harm
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you complied with a harmful directive?
- What can empower individuals to resist destructive orders?
A Different Perspective
The quote may neglect individual agency and moral courage in resisting harmful directives.
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
