---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Of two evils, the lesser must always be…"
description: "\"Of two evils, the lesser must always be chosen De duobus malis, minus est semper eligendum\" — Thomas a Kempis"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ddb/thomas-a-kempis-721_chosen_of-two-evils-the-lesser-must-always-be-c_1519765.png"
---

#  Of two evils, the lesser must always be chosen De duobus…

![“Of two evils, the lesser must always be chosen De duobus malis, minus est semper eligendum” quote by Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ddb/thomas-a-kempis-721_chosen_of-two-evils-the-lesser-must-always-be-c_1519765.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ddb/thomas-a-kempis-721_chosen_of-two-evils-the-lesser-must-always-be-c_1519765.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ddb/thomas-a-kempis-721_chosen_of-two-evils-the-lesser-must-always-be-c_1519765.png)

> “Of two evils, the lesser must always be chosen De duobus malis, minus est semper eligendum”

[Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-kempis/)

## About This Quote

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

When faced with two bad options, pick the one that causes less harm.

**In simple terms:** Choose the lesser evil.

Key Takeaway

Select the less harmful choice.

Themes

ethics decision making morality

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

- legal dilemmas
- medical choices
- environmental policy
- personal relationships

Key Concepts

consequentialism pragmatism

Questions to Reflect On

- Is the lesser evil truly acceptable?
- Can alternatives be created?

A Different Perspective

Choosing a lesser evil may still cause harm or compromise values.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil/)

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