Das Böse

What exactly do we say about people when we condemn them as evil? What characteristics do evil individuals share that distinguish them from ordinary people? Are evil people born evil?

Sometimes an act seems so terrible, so horrific, that we label it as evil. But does evil even exist? Is it merely a trait? Are we falling for a myth? Is evil always something extraordinary? Or is it ultimately crude and banal?

Russell draws a connection from prominent fictional villains like Voldemort or Darth Vader to terrorists and serial killers, and then to Nazis and psychopaths, before embarking on a meticulously planned investigation. He concludes his overview with reflections on whether every person who naturally considers themselves among the good is, to some extent, also a bit evil.