Why are people cruel? Why do they persecute other human beings and torture them? How is it they are able to do this?

Expressions researched:
"How is it they are able to do this" |"Why are people cruel" |"Why do they persecute other human beings and torture them"

Bhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures

Because he is not in his normal condition, under the dictation of māyā, he is thinking, "This is my enemy; this is my friend," and he's acting like that.

Lecture on BG 9.4 -- Melbourne, April 22, 1976:

Guest (5): Why are people cruel? Why do they persecute other human beings and torture them? How is it they are able to do this?

Prabhupāda: Because he is not in his normal condition, under the dictation of māyā, he is thinking, "This is my enemy; this is my friend," and he's acting like that. But when he becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious, then he becomes learned. There is no more enemy. Everyone is friend. Samaḥ sarveṣu bhūteṣu mad-bhaktiṁ labhate parām (BG 18.54). That is the highest stage of life. All right. Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa.