All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Evil succeeds when good people fail to act. Inaction enables wrongdoing.
- In plain terms
- Evil wins when good people do not stop it.
- What can you take from it?
- Good people must act to prevent evil.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What stops you from acting against wrong?
Another view
Sometimes individuals lack the power to stop systemic evil.
More from Edmund Burke
Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling - it never forgives the preaching of a new gospel.
Permalink to quote #169 It has always been with me, a test of the sense and candour of any one belonging to the opposite party, whether he allowed Burke to be a great man.
Permalink to quote #171 Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all.
Permalink to quote #168
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