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Edmund Burke. The actual quote is: "The only thing necessary for the triumph [of evil] is for good men to do nothing."
Addendum:The "actual quote" cannot be found. While it is attributed to Burke, there is not evidence that he ever actually spoke or wrote it, and Burke was a prolific writer and speaker.
There have been countless attempts to tie it to a specific piece of writing, and some of these are laudable. One of the most likely sources of this particular bit of wisdom could be: When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle. It was born in Burke's speech of 23 April 1770, "Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents," delivered to the House of Commons.
The quote as it is in the question appears in at least eleven different permutations on the internet:
- The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
- All that is needed for the forces of evil to triumph is for enough good men to do nothing.
- All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.
- In order for 'evil' to prevail, all that need happen is for 'good' people to do nothing.
- All that is needed for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.
- The surest way for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.
- All it will take for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing.
- All that is necessary for the forces of evil to take root in the world is for enough good men to do nothing.
- All that is needed for the forces of evil to succeed is for enough good men to remain silent.
- All it takes for Evil to prevail in this world is for enough good men to do nothing.
- The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
These more commonly worded permutations of Burke's message survive, perhaps more because they appeal to the modern ear. Call it poetic license, but Burke's words live on, they just look a little different.
This quote is often attributed to Irish statesman Edmund Burke. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression, as remaining passive can allow evil forces to prevail.
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What is the opposite of evil?
The opposite of evil is typically considered to be good or righteousness. It represents qualities such as kindness, compassion, and morality.
Is good and evil a part of human nature?
The concept of good and evil is subjective and varies among different cultures and individuals. Some argue that humans have an inherent sense of morality, while others believe that good and evil are learned behaviors influenced by society and environment. Ultimately, the presence of good and evil in human nature is a complex topic with no definitive answer.
Why do evil acts mostly succeed than the good ones?
Evil acts may seem to succeed more often because they are often driven by selfish motives and a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve a goal. Good acts, on the other hand, often require more time, effort, and collaboration to be successful. Additionally, evil acts may exploit loopholes or take advantage of others, making them appear to have initial success.
What does He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to prepare it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it mean?
This quote implies that by not speaking out or taking action against evil, one is complicit in its perpetuation. Allowing evil to go unchallenged enables its continuation and can be seen as a form of support or participation in its existence. To truly combat evil, one must actively oppose it rather than passively accepting or ignoring it.
What does this quote The price of apathy is to be ruled by evil men by Plato mean?
This quote by Plato suggests that remaining indifferent or apathetic in the face of injustice or wrongdoing allows evil individuals to gain power and control over society. It highlights the importance of taking a stand against evil and actively participating in creating a just and moral society.
How do you say in Latin all it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing?
Boondock Saints reference....
Are triangles good or evil?
Nothing is good or evil, everything is.They are EVIL, all odd-sided shapes are!!!!!
Why do some people think the Buddha is evil?
People fear that which they do not know. There is nothing evil in the teachings that I can find. I believe that Buddhism is a good and sound philosophy. I'm a christian by the way (point of reference).But to the Buddhists he is the best thing that ever happened to them.~Good answer, my Christian friend. :-) ..I am a Buddhist... there is nothing in the Buddha's teachings that is evil. He promotes nothing but love. He teaches that one must forgive, and love, and help those in need. How is that evil?
Is this something that was placed between man and Satan by God?
There is nothing but good and evil placed between them.
What does the name martre' mean?
It means death, pain, evil, ... etc. It's nothing good.
What is good evil and bad evil?
There is no such thing as "good evil." Evil is the opposite of good.
Who does the quote Evil is not satisfied to be left alone or to leave others alone belong to?
Do not know, but, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that a good man shall do nothing"!
What do you do when nothing is good enough for your dad?
Do what's good enough for you. If he's your dad, he'll accept what's best for you. If he doesn't accept it, it's probably not good for you.
Is forty acres good enough to farm?
sure is better then nothing
What do they believe is the cause of evil?
Judaism teaches that all people are born good but HaShem gave us the freewill and the ability to choose to do both good and bad. When a person chooses to do evil, that is their choice and their choice only. There is no single cause or source of evil according to Judaism and nothing can make us do evil.
What is good about the sport boxing?
Nothing good comes out of boxing except fame and if you're good enough... Money.
What does nil satis nisi optimum mean in English?
it means, nothing but the best is good enough
