Evil In Theodore Dalrymple's The Frivolity Of Evil

Theodore Dalrymple, in his article “The Frivolity of Evil,” argues the real causes of evil in our modern society. Even though he concentrates most of his example on the British society, they can be clearly related to any society in the world. In fact, he visited several countries around the world which are hunted by genocide, tyranny, persecution, and oppression, and he relates the evil in those countries to the evil seen and lived in our society, even behind closed doors. Certainly, human beings commit evil acts because they are allowed to do so. Dalrymple’s argument recalls the philosophizing of many other thinkers. Is our society allowing people to commit evil acts by not properly punishing them? Too many individuals, who kill, abuse, steal, and hurt, wrongfully believe that their debt to society has been paid just by serving their time in prison. However, like Dalrymple points out, the debt is not paid off. Are we permitting men to commit evil and essentially allowing them to get away with it? Apparently we are.

The development of his claims can remind us of Nietzsche’s slave morality. For instance, people find more comfort in situations of discomfort. This statement may sound like a contradiction, but people purposely tend to put themselves in disadvantageous situations so that they can be cared for by the government. In particular, Dalrymple speaks of a libertarian society in which the disadvantaged are entitled to everything because they are seen as victims. It does not matter that these people deliberately choose their position because judgment is not approved by the