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About this quote

What does it mean?
Allowing evil to continue is more harmful than stopping it.
In plain terms
It is worse to let bad things happen than to prevent them.
What can you take from it?
Prevent harm actively rather than tolerating it.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • ethical decisions
  • social issues

Putting it to work

  • enforce laws
  • stop corruption
  • address injustice

Questions to consider

  • When is toleration better than inhibition?
  • What defines evil in this context?

Another view

Sometimes inaction is necessary to avoid greater harm.

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