"Evil is the product of the ability of humans to make abstract that which is concrete."

When you break it down, the idea is that evil surfaces when people take real, tangible things and strip away their reality by turning them into abstract concepts. This means we might start thinking of people, actions, or situations in terms of ideas or categories, rather than as concrete, flesh-and-blood realities.

Now, let’s give this some context. Think about the horrors of history – like the genocides or wars. Leaders often dehumanized entire groups by labeling them not as individuals but as threats or enemies. This abstraction made it easier to commit atrocities because it felt less personal and more like dealing with an idea rather than real lives.

A real-life example? Sure. Imagine a soldier during wartime. If they think of the enemy as faceless combatants, it’s easier to do harm. But if, on the battlefield, they recognize the humanity in their opponents – perhaps seeing a photo of a family in the enemy pocket – it becomes much harder to follow through with violence. You see, it’s this abstraction, this mental trick of seeing the 'other' as less human, that paves the way for evil actions.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in everyday life? Start by making a conscious effort to see people as individuals, not as categories or stereotypes. When you’re angry or frustrated, remind yourself that the person on the other end is a whole human being with their own story and struggles. By keeping things concrete, we reduce the risk of dehumanizing others and therefore, avoid contributing to potential harm.

Imagine you’re at work and there’s this colleague who always seems to cause you grief. It’s easy to label them as “the annoying one” or “the lazy guy.” But what if, instead, you took the time to understand their story? Maybe they’re dealing with personal issues or have a different work style that they weren’t properly trained in. Seeing them as a whole person rather than just an annoyance can change how you interact with them. And it might even improve your work environment.

Here’s a story for you. Picture a small town where everyone knows each other, and there’s a new family that’s just moved in. They’re different in some way – maybe they speak a different language or have a different religion. The townspeople, out of fear or ignorance, start referring to them as “those people” instead of by their names. This abstraction leads to gossip, suspicion, and eventually, exclusion. But then, one day, a kid from the town befriends one of the kids from the new family. They play together, share stories, and suddenly, the new family isn’t so abstract anymore. They’re real, with names and faces and feelings. This shift in perception can lead the whole community to a more compassionate and inclusive place.

In essence, let’s strive to keep our perceptions grounded in the reality of individual human experiences. It’s harder to hate, hurt, or ignore someone when you see them as a full person with hopes, dreams, and fears just like your own. It's a way to make the world a little kinder and a lot more human.