We must as second best, as people say, take the least of the evils.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- When no good option exists, one should choose the lesser evil.
- In plain terms
- Choose the least bad option when all are bad.
- What can you take from it?
- In bad situations, pick the smallest harm.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the least bad choice here?
Another view
It may normalize accepting harmful outcomes.
More from Aristotle
Any one can get angry - that is easy - or give or spend money; but to do this to the right person, to the right extent, at the right time, with the right motiv…
Permalink to quote #55 Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods.
Permalink to quote #57 In cases of this sort, let us say adultery, rightness and wrongness do not depend on committing it with the right woman at the right time and in the right mann…
Permalink to quote #54
Related quotes
Hearken with your ears to these best counsels, Reflect upon them with illumined judgment. Let each one choose his creed with that freedom of choice each must h…
ZoroasterZoroaster quote #3 What are we allowed to do when we're looking for things we're required to do?
Dave EggersDave Eggers quote #20 You know, doing what is right is easy. The problem is knowing what is right.
Lyndon JohnsonLyndon Johnson quote #26