Unraveling the Nature of Evil

This chapter investigates the multifaceted concept of evil, emphasizing that ordinary people can commit cruel acts while believing they act for good. It outlines seven psychological elements that contribute to this mindset, critiques historical misconceptions about mental illness and evil, and highlights the role of self-deception and moral justification in harmful behavior. Through historical and psychological lenses, the chapter illustrates how individual and societal factors intertwine to reveal the complexities of human potential for cruelty.