Evil Quote by Walter Dean Myers
““First, people tolerate evil because they see some benefit to themselves,' he said. 'Then, they feed it in hope that it will turn into something else. Then, they appease it in hope that it will not turn against them. Then, they respect it because they fear it. Finally, someone has to step up and stamp it out! (...)””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussing moral responsibility, unknown source
People initially accept evil for personal gain, then nurture it, eventually fearing and respecting it, until someone finally opposes it decisively.
In simple terms: Evil is tolerated, nurtured, feared, then challenged.
Key Takeaway
Stand against injustice before it becomes entrenched.
Themes
morality
power
responsibility
activism
Mood
determined
urgent
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political activism
- community leadership
- personal ethics
- social movements
Key Concepts
ethical decay
social dynamics
courage
Questions to Reflect On
- What fuels your willingness to confront evil?
- How can societies prevent the nurturing of harmful systems?
A Different Perspective
Opposition may be risky and face backlash.
![“That will not do, for your people will not tolerate me. If they get enraged by nothing more than a drink of water out of their water-pail, they are not likely to allow me a place near their Captain. [159]” quote by Sol T. Plaatje](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6f7/sol-t-plaatje-18648_quote_that-will-not-do-for-your-people-will-no_1728597.jpg)
![“Evil cannot be "treated" -- nor should it be. Evil has to [be] confronted and destroyed and it matters not why the evil is in play. Society has no obligation to try to rehabilitate evil.” quote by Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b89/bill-o-reilly-1019_destroyed_evil-cannot-be-treated-nor-should-it-be_3597.jpg)
