Cruelty

Barbarity
Beastliness
Cruel people

Nature

Cruelty is the wilful infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering, i.e. pain and suffering that are not necessary to achieve morally important ends and thus cannot be justified by those ends. Cruelty is the infliction of pain and suffering for their own sake on any sentient creature that can experience pain and undergo suffering. It can be physical, emotional or spiritual. It can be directed toward humans or other animals and, some would suggest, toward plants. It is destructive toward both the perpetrator and the victim.

Background

Cruelty has been documented throughout human history, with early records in ancient legal codes and religious texts condemning inhumane acts. Its global significance emerged as societies witnessed the devastating effects of war, slavery, and institutionalized violence. The 20th century, marked by genocides and human rights movements, catalyzed international recognition of cruelty as a pervasive problem, prompting legal frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to address and prevent its occurrence worldwide.

Incidence

Cruelty persists as a global issue, manifesting in diverse forms such as physical violence, psychological abuse, and systemic mistreatment across societies. Reports from human rights organizations indicate widespread incidents in domestic, institutional, and conflict settings, affecting millions annually. The prevalence of cruelty is exacerbated by factors such as war, discrimination, and lack of legal protections, making it a persistent challenge for governments and civil society worldwide.
In 2022, international attention focused on the widespread reports of cruelty against detainees in Myanmar’s prisons following the military coup. Human Rights Watch documented numerous cases of torture and inhumane treatment, highlighting the ongoing severity of the problem.

Claim

I cruelly hate cruelty, both by nature and judgement, as the worst of all vices. (Montaigne).

Counter-claim

Cruelty is vastly overstated as a societal concern. In reality, it is a natural part of human interaction and evolution, shaping resilience and progress. Obsessing over cruelty distracts from more pressing issues like innovation and economic growth. People should toughen up rather than demand constant protection from perceived slights. Ultimately, focusing on cruelty is a waste of time and resources that could be better spent on advancing society as a whole.