"政治的には、小さい方の悪を選んだ人々が、自分が悪を選んだことをすぐに忘れてしまうことが、常に議論の弱点であった。"

When we choose what we think is the 'lesser evil,' we often forget that it's still an evil we're choosing. This is a tricky part of decision-making, especially in politics. We might convince ourselves that picking the less harmful option is the best we can do, but in doing so, we overlook the fact that we're still supporting something harmful or wrong.

Historically, this idea has popped up in many political situations. Think about elections where people feel like they're stuck choosing between two bad candidates. They might pick the one who seems less damaging, but that doesn't make the choice a good one. This quote reminds us that by settling for the lesser evil, we're still compromising our values in some way.

Here's a real-world example: Imagine a town with two mayoral candidates. One is openly corrupt and has a history of taking bribes, while the other has more ethical issues—maybe they've been caught in small lies or have some questionable associations. The townspeople, desperate for any improvement, vote for the second candidate. They justify their choice by saying that at least they're not voting for the openly corrupt politician. But over time, the small lies and questionable associations start causing problems. Maybe the new mayor's friends get unfair advantages, or maybe the small lies turn into bigger ones. The townspeople, who initially felt relief, now face new challenges and realize they still chose someone who doesn't fully uphold their values.

So how can you apply this in your own life? First, it's crucial to recognize when you're in a situation where all options seem bad. Take a step back and really think about what you're compromising. Sometimes, it might be worth looking for a third option or even taking a stand by not choosing at all. If you have to pick the lesser evil, do it with your eyes wide open. Acknowledge the flaws in your choice and be ready to hold that person (or decision) accountable.

Think about a time you had to make a tough decision—like choosing between two job offers. One job paid well but had a toxic work environment, and the other had a great team but lower pay and fewer benefits. If you picked the higher-paying job for the money, you might soon find that the toxic environment impacts your happiness and health. You chose what seemed like the 'lesser evil' (the money was a big plus), but the downsides quickly became apparent.

In our daily lives, it’s easy to justify these kinds of choices. We weigh pros and cons, and sometimes we have to go with the best of the bad options. However, it’s important to stay mindful of the compromises we make. Don't just settle and forget about it. Keep your values front and center, and remember that settling for less than ideal still means you're settling. It’s a balance—knowing when you're making a necessary compromise and staying vigilant about the consequences.

At the end of the day, this quote is a reminder to stay conscious of our choices. We might not always have perfect options, but by being aware of the 'lesser evils,' we can strive to minimize harm and stay true to what we believe in as much as possible.