The most important message of a crucifix, to me anyway, was how unspeakably cruel supposedly sane human beings can be when under orders from a superior authority.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A reflection that ordinary people commit atrocities when ordered by authority figures.
- In plain terms
- Normal people can do cruel things if a boss tells them to.
- What can you take from it?
- Blind obedience to authority can lead to cruelty.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do you stop following orders?
- What stops people from being cruel?
Another view
It places too much blame on individuals rather than systems of power.
More from Kurt Vonnegut
If facts weren't funny, or scary, or couldn't make you rich, the heck with them.
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