Then, over time, I learned that, although all men are capable of the good and the bad, the worst are always those who, when they manage evil, make it protected by the authority of others, in the subordination or in the pretext of the orders received. And if terrible they are the ones who claim to act in the name of an authority, a hierarchy or a homeland, much worse are the ones who are estimated to be justified by any God.
The quote reflects a profound observation about human nature and morality. The author, Arturo Pérez-Reverte, suggests that every person has the potential for both good and evil, yet the most dangerous individuals are those who perpetrate evil while cloaked in authority. These individuals often justify their actions as being in line with orders or societal structures, thereby avoiding personal accountability for their wrongdoing.
Moreover, Pérez-Reverte emphasizes that the gravity of such actions increases when individuals claim to act on behalf of a higher power, such as a deity. This invocation of divine justification can make heinous acts seem legitimate, which can lead to widespread harm and suffering. Thus, the quote serves as a cautionary reminder about the dangers of blind obedience and the moral implications of one's actions when authorized by external forces.
