Religion is so frequently a source of confusion in political life, and so frequently dangerous to democracy, precisely because it introduces absolutes into the realm of relative values.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
Evil is not to be traced back to the individual but to the collective behavior of humanity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Evil originates from societal actions rather than individual malice.
This quote by Reinhold Niebuhr suggests that the concept of evil should not be solely attributed to individual people, but rather to the actions and behaviors exhibited by groups or societies as a whole. It highlights the idea that moral failings and destructive behaviors often arise from collective decisions, attitudes, and cultural norms, indicating that to understand and address evil, one must look beyond individuals to broader social dynamics.
Themes
EvilCollective BehaviorHumanityMoralitySociology
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about societal issues, one might quote this to highlight the importance of collective responsibility in addressing evil.
More from Reinhold Niebuhr
All quotes βThe tendency to claim God as an ally for our partisan value and ends is the source of all religious fanaticism.
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The mastery of nature is vainly believed to be an adequate substitute for self mastery.
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All you earnest young men out to save the world. . . please, have a laugh.
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Forgiveness is the final form of love.
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God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed.
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