“All cruelty springs from weakness.”Seneca
In modern times, we see that people who belittle others or act cruelly often do so out of their own insecurities and fears. For instance, a boss who constantly criticizes their employees may be doing so because they feel inadequate themselves. By recognizing this, we can practice empathy and respond with understanding rather than escalating the situation.
A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.
This quote aligns with the Stoic pillar of Courage, as it emphasizes the idea that cruelty is a sign of weakness rather than strength. Similarly, in the Christian faith, we are called to show courage by responding to cruelty with understanding and empathy, rather than being swayed by fear or insecurity. Proverbs 11:17 highlights the importance of showing kindness and compassion, even in the face of cruelty.