The Perils of Moral Certainty:

Why Those Who Believe They Are Virtuous Can Commit the Worst Crimes

Throughout history, some of the most devastating atrocities have been committed not by those who saw themselves as malevolent, but by individuals who were convinced of their own virtue. This paradox—where the self-perception of righteousness leads to grievous harm—highlights the dangers of moral certainty and the profound consequences that can arise when individuals believe they are acting in the name of a greater good.

**The Illusion of Moral Superiority**

One of the key reasons virtuous individuals can commit heinous acts is the illusion of moral superiority. When people are convinced of their own righteousness, they often see their actions as justified, no matter the consequences. This mindset can lead to a dangerous disregard for the harm their actions may cause. Believing that their cause is just, they may rationalize extreme measures as necessary or even noble.

Consider historical examples such as the Inquisition or the Salem witch trials. In both cases, those responsible believed they were purging society of evil. Their sense of moral duty blinded them to the suffering they inflicted, and their unwavering conviction led to the torture and execution of countless innocents.

**The End Justifies the Means**

Another factor is the belief that "the end justifies the means." When people are convinced they are on the side of good, they may adopt the mentality that any action, no matter how brutal, is acceptable if it serves a greater purpose. This can lead to a dangerous slippery slope where moral boundaries are continually pushed until the original goal is overshadowed by the harm caused in pursuit of it.

Revolutionaries, for instance, often begin with the intention of creating a better society. However, once they start to view their cause as infallible, they may resort to violence, oppression, and terror, believing that these are necessary steps toward a utopian future. The French Revolution, which began with calls for "liberty, equality, fraternity," devolved into the Reign of Terror, where thousands were executed in the name of preserving the revolution.

**The Dehumanization of Opponents**

A key aspect of committing atrocities while feeling virtuous is the dehumanization of those perceived as adversaries. When people believe they are morally superior, they may start to see those who disagree with them as less than human, as obstacles to be removed rather than individuals with their own rights and dignity. This dehumanization makes it easier to justify extreme actions against them.

Genocides, ethnic cleansings, and other mass atrocities are often driven by this mindset. Perpetrators believe that their victims are not just wrong, but fundamentally evil or subhuman, and thus unworthy of compassion or mercy. This moral disengagement allows them to commit acts of cruelty while maintaining a belief in their own virtue.

**The Echo Chamber Effect**

In addition to internal convictions, the reinforcement of one's beliefs within a like-minded community can amplify the potential for committing harmful acts. When individuals surround themselves with others who share their views, they can become more radicalized, as dissenting opinions are silenced or ignored. This echo chamber effect reinforces their sense of righteousness and may lead them to take more extreme measures in the name of their cause.

Social and political movements, both historically and in contemporary times, have often fallen victim to this dynamic. When members of a group are insulated from outside perspectives, they can become convinced that their cause is not only just but also under siege, leading to a sense of urgency that justifies extreme actions.

**When Being Anti-Something Leads to Supporting the Very Thing You Oppose**

Another paradoxical danger of moral certainty is that, in the fervor to oppose something deemed evil, people can inadvertently adopt the same tactics or principles they originally stood against. This phenomenon is particularly evident in movements defined by what they are against rather than what they are for.

Take, for example, the concept of anti-fascism. While opposing fascism is undoubtedly a noble cause, history shows that the intense zeal to eradicate it can sometimes lead individuals or groups to support authoritarian measures that resemble fascism itself. In the effort to suppress perceived fascist ideologies, some anti-fascist movements have resorted to censorship, violence, and suppression of dissent—tactics that are disturbingly similar to those used by the fascists they oppose.

This dynamic is not unique to anti-fascism; it can be seen in various "anti" movements throughout history. When the primary identity of a movement is defined by opposition, rather than a clear and positive vision of what it stands for, it risks becoming a mirror image of the very thing it fights against. The moral certainty that drives such movements can blind their members to the ways in which they might be perpetuating the same forms of oppression or intolerance they sought to eradicate.

**The Danger of Unquestioned Ideologies**

Finally, the worst crimes are often committed by those who adhere to ideologies or belief systems that they refuse to question. When individuals accept an ideology as absolute truth, they may ignore evidence or arguments that challenge their beliefs. This dogmatic approach can lead to a rigid, uncompromising mindset where the ends are seen as unquestionably just, regardless of the means.

Totalitarian regimes are often built on such ideologies. Leaders who see themselves as virtuous may justify the suppression of dissent, the elimination of "undesirable" elements, and the imposition of their will on the populace, all in the name of creating a perfect society. The Soviet Union under Stalin and Nazi Germany are prime examples of how unquestioned ideologies, fueled by a sense of righteousness, can lead to catastrophic human suffering.

**The Need for Humility and Reflection**

The belief in one's own virtue is a double-edged sword. While it can inspire individuals to strive for positive change, it can also lead to the justification of acts that are profoundly harmful. The key to avoiding this danger lies in humility and the willingness to constantly reflect on one's actions and beliefs. Recognizing that no one has a monopoly on virtue, and that good intentions can lead to devastating outcomes, is essential in preventing the descent into moral extremism.

As history has shown, the road to some of the worst crimes is often paved with the best intentions. Only by remaining vigilant and open to questioning our own righteousness can we avoid repeating these tragic mistakes.