Evil Isn’t Banal. It’s Visceral.
Israel: State of a Nation
In a compelling discussion, Douglas Murray contends that philosopher Hannah Arendt's concept of the "banality of evil" misconstrues the true nature of evil. Contrary to Arendt's assertion that evil manifests in mundane and bureaucratic forms, Murray argues that evil is inherently visceral—both seductive and terrifying. He posits that evil captivates individuals and societies in deeper, more sinister ways than mere banal processes. This perspective encourages a reevaluation of how society identifies and understands evil acts and individuals, pushing us to consider the inherent allure and frightening aspects of malevolent behavior.