Two wrongs don't make a right, but they make a good excuse.

The quote, "Two wrongs don't make a right, but they make a good excuse," comes from Thomas Szasz, a psychiatrist and author known for his critical views on the field of mental health and the concept of psychiatric illness. In this remark, Szasz highlights the common human tendency to justify one wrong action by pointing to another wrong action. The quote cleverly acknowledges that while moral logic tells us that two wrongs cannot create a right, people often use the idea of retaliation or revenge as a justification for their own misdeeds, framing it as a rationalization rather than an ethical choice.

The origin of the quote reflects Szasz’s critique of human behavior and how individuals often engage in moral reasoning that defies true ethical principles. Known for his work in psychiatry, Szasz frequently examined the ways people rationalize behaviors, especially in contexts like mental health, where complex issues are often simplified or explained away. This quote is a wry commentary on how humans often use one mistake or harm as a way to excuse or justify their own actions, even if they do not make those actions morally correct.

In a broader context, the quote speaks to the nature of accountability and justification in human behavior. Szasz is pointing out that retaliation or vengeance is often seen as acceptable or understandable because people view it as a form of balance or retribution, even though it doesn’t make the initial wrong any less wrong. It highlights the ethical paradox that exists when individuals attempt to resolve moral conflicts by perpetuating further wrongs.

Ultimately, Szasz’s quote serves as a satirical reflection on how people approach ethics and morality, particularly in situations involving conflict or wrongdoing. While it acknowledges the human tendency to justify mistakes with more mistakes, it also challenges us to consider the deeper moral implications of our actions and resist the urge to rationalize unethical behavior.