The Whimsy Farm Podcast Episode Seven w/ Elizabeth Minnich
Jul 15, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, philosopher Elizabeth Minnich delves into the critical importance of thinking in combating normalized evils. She distinguishes between intensive and extensive evil, stressing how societal pressures can lead to harmful behaviors through excuses like 'I'm just following orders.' Minnich emphasizes that love alone isn't enough to resist this normalization; clear thinking and community practices are essential. She also examines the seductive nature of careerism, the appeal of conservatism for young women, and the dangers of persistent lying in today's society.
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Two Kinds Of Evil
- Elizabeth Minnich distinguishes intensive evils (extraordinary individuals, short-lived) from extensive evils (normalized, require many people over time).
- Extensive evils persist because institutions and normalization recruit reliable workers rather than monsters.
The Creeping Fog Of Normalization
- Minnich describes the creeping social fog when extensive evil sets in: people avoid eye contact, become fearful, and adapt to survive.
- That fog spreads in concentric circles as individuals adjust, wait, and normalize harmful policies.
Power Of Ordinary, Reliable Good
- Minnich defines extensive good as the obverse of extensive evil: many ordinary people acting reliably over time.
- Reliable, mundane virtues like perseverance and trustworthiness build durable resistance and community care.
