Agency Quote by Steven Erikson
“Evil is nothing but a word, an objectification where no objectification is necessary. Cast aside this notion of some external agency as the source of inconceivable inhumanity - the sad truth is our possession of an innate proclivity towards indifference, towards deliberate denial of mercy, towards disengaging all that is moral within us. But if that is too dire , let's call it evil. And paint it with fire and venom.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Malazan Book of the Fallen, 2000
Evil is a label we project onto actions when we avoid confronting our own capacity for indifference and cruelty.
In simple terms: Evil is a word we use to avoid personal responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and own our moral choices.
Themes
morality
responsibility
human nature
indifference
Mood
reflective
serious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
analytical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- social justice
- conflict resolution
- leadership
- counseling
Key Concepts
psychology
ethics
projection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you hold yourself accountable for harmful actions?
- What does calling something evil prevent you from seeing?
A Different Perspective
Labeling evil can oversimplify complex causes and hinder accountability.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
