In "State of Fear," Michael Crichton explores the theme of moral superiority driving extreme actions. He illustrates how individuals or groups often justify harmful behaviors by believing their cause is more important than the potential damage inflicted on others. This mindset leads to a troubling disregard for the well-being of individuals, as the focus shifts to pursuing an abstract ideal.

Crichton's narrative warns against the dangers of such a mentality, highlighting how it can lead to significant and potentially tragic consequences. By emphasizing a cause above human lives, the characters in the story represent a broader societal trend where morality is manipulated to rationalize questionable decisions and inhumane actions.