"Cruelty is softened by fear, not pity"

Mason Cooley's quote suggests that fear is a more reliable tool than pity when it concerns suppressing ruthlessness. Fear is a powerful feeling that can be used to manage individuals's behavior. It can be utilized to prevent people from engaging in cruel acts, as they might be afraid of the consequences. Pity, on the other hand, is a more passive emotion that may not be as reliable in suppressing cruelty. Pity may result in compassion, however it does not always result in a change in behavior. Worry, however, can be an effective motivator to alter one's habits. Worry of punishment or retribution can be a powerful deterrent to vicious habits. Therefore, Mason Cooley's quote suggests that fear is a more efficient tool than pity when it pertains to curbing ruthlessness.