"人的悖论和悲剧性处境在于他最需要良知的时候却最软弱。"
— Erich Fromm
Simplified Meaning:
People often struggle to do the right thing when faced with tough choices, even though that's when their moral compass should be strongest. Imagine a student who knows cheating on a test is wrong. When they feel unprepared and desperate to pass, they might still cheat, even though their conscience is saying not to. This is because their inner sense of right and wrong becomes clouded by the fear of failure. Another example is in history, where leaders make harmful decisions under pressure, even knowing the ethical path. By recognizing this weakness, we can try to stay calm and think clearly during difficult times, ensuring we make decisions we won’t regret later. This understanding helps us prepare better for stressful situations and strengthens our ability to follow our moral values.
