This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
The Stoic’s Take On Doing Nothing
“History abounds with evidence that humanity is capable of doing evil, not only actively but passively.
In some of our most shameful moments – from slavery to the Holocaust to segregation to the murder of Kitty Genovese – guilt wasn’t limited to perpetrators but to ordinary citizens who, for a multitude of reasons, declined to get involved.
It’s that old line: all evils needs to prevail is for good men to do nothing.
It’s not enough to just not do evil. You must also be a force for good in the world, as best you can.” – The Daily Stoic p. 223
Afterthoughts
I know it’s hard to get out of our comfort zones and do what’s right, but that’s what it will take to bring about change in this world. We can all speak up more. We can all take more productive actions. We can all stop staying silent when we have a voice. We can all stop recording certain situations with our phones and instead do something different. The world needs more outliers who take action, not more witnesses and silent observers to tragic events.
More On Race, Equality, & BlackLivesMatter
My White Doctor Didn’t Look At Me
Stop Nullifying the Black Experience
My White Friend Doesn’t Believe In Systemic Racism
Correcting Systemic Racism Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult
A White Woman Falsely Accused My Family Member of Rape
Stop Nullifying the Black Experience: A Response To Three White Men
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.