Karl Popper on good and evil

We must plan for freedom, and not only for security, if for no other reason than that only freedom can make security secure.

The game of science is, in principle, without end. He who decides one day that scientific statements do not call for any further test, and that they can be regarded as finally verified, retires from the game.

Scientists try to eliminate their false theories, they try to let them die in their stead. The believer⁠—whether animal or man⁠—perishes with his false beliefs.

All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.

Edmund Burke1729–1797

Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.

Blaise Pascal1623–1662

• Anti-Religion

The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.

Albert Einstein1879–1955