"There is perhaps no phenomenon which contains so much destructive feeling as moral indignation, which permits envy or to be acted out under the guise of virtue"
- Erich Fromm
About this Quote
Erich Fromm's quote speaks with the power of moral indignation and how it can be utilized as a tool to reveal envy or other negative feelings. He suggests that ethical indignation can be a destructive force, as it enables individuals to act out their unfavorable feelings under the guise of virtue. This can be seen in circumstances where people utilize their ethical outrage to validate their own prejudices or to attack those who are various from them. Fromm's quote also speaks to the power of moral indignation to create a sense of righteousness and superiority, which can result in more division and conflict. Eventually, Fromm's quote acts as a reminder that ethical indignation need to be used with care, as it can be a powerful tool for both great and bad.
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