Strict moral systems are almost always used as a foundation for tyranny. And most the time, the tyrant cannot even see that their actions are from anger within, not the execution of a moral policy.

If they knew it was from anger within, they would have to see themselves as evil.

When we hate a person, we don’t want to admit that. Instead, we find their immoralities and justify taking action against them.

Morality Is Always the Excuse for Tyranny

When I was 8 or 9 years old, I rolled my eyes at one of my dad’s wives. Her reaction was vicious, almost seething with anger.

What did she correct me for? “Don’t have a negative attitude toward those over you.” But that wasn’t the problem. She was just upset and used morality to justify it.

When a school teacher is angry at a child, they don’t say, “I’m upset and I hate you.” Instead, they find something they feel is immoral and get on them for it. They might even give the child worse grades on anything they’re judging.

When the U.S. government or someone in power dislikes you, they try to find something you did wrong.

Do you see the pattern? Morality is always an excuse for tyranny—not just in governments or wars, but in homes, schools, businesses, and anywhere humans interact.

If someone wants to harm you, they rarely just lash out. Instead, they use the excuse of your immorality to justify their actions.

As humans, we don’t want to admit that we’re taking vengeance on someone because we dislike them. Instead, when we’re angry, we find their “immoralities” and go after them.

---

Is Morality at Fault?

In other words, is the strict moral aspect of religion inherently bad? Does a high degree of moral demand cultivate a justification for tyranny?

Growing up, I saw this firsthand, almost daily.

If I did something truly “immoral,” but a mother in the household liked me, the punishment wasn’t as severe. On the other hand, a minor offense against someone who didn’t like me could result in a much harsher response.

When people don’t like you, they will figure out a way to come after you. And the stricter the rules of your religion or group, the easier it is.

I dare say that 80% of the corrections in my dad’s house came not from genuine concern for morality but because someone didn’t like a child. And those same individuals wouldn’t even admit it to themselves. Why? Because acknowledging it would mean seeing themselves in a bad light.

Similarly, I dare say that 80% of the things people tell you are “wrong” are more about their dislike for you than about genuine moral concern.

This is not morality’s fault. But the higher the standards, the more those implementing them need to be full of genuine love. Otherwise, they will inevitably use those moral guidelines as weapons against people they dislike.

You can’t change human nature. It’s not morality’s fault, but where morality exists, dislike will find a way to exploit it.

---

“That Wouldn’t Happen in Your House”

Think again. Consider the last person you cursed under your breath. Were you truly upset at their actions, or do you just dislike them?

Of course, there are true injustices in the world. But often, even we don’t want to admit to ourselves that we hate someone. We want to believe we’re good.

So, reconsider: Is it really about what people are doing, or is it about how you feel toward them?

That friend group that talks about you and leaves you out? It’s not because of anything you’ve done wrong. They just bond over disliking you. But to justify themselves, they point out your “immoralities.”

Otherwise, they’d have to admit they’re simply being mean.

---

An Open Mind Cures Tyranny

Everything boils down to one truth: As humans, we are shaped by neural and chemical patterns that resist change. These patterns often serve us well, but they can also lead to destruction.

Unless we can see ourselves objectively, we’ll continue using morality as a weapon against those who cross us.

Love is a powerful force that can bridge the gap between morality and tyranny. But it’s fleeting. Perfect love, while ideal, doesn’t guarantee freedom from tyranny. Often, what we call “perfect love” is merely suppression of our true feelings, and that suppression leads to morally justified harm—against ourselves and others.

---

Suppressing Tyranny Within

Don’t suppress feelings of anger. Instead, acknowledge them.

We shouldn’t act out our anger on others, but we also shouldn’t let it build within. If we suppress it, it will eventually break through the facade of “perfect love,” leading to extreme moral justifications for tyranny.

Instead, recognize and admit your anger—even to the person you’re upset with. This acknowledgment allows you to process and let it go.

---

Conclusion

Did you know the best predictor of child abuse in the home is the presence of a stepparent? And do you think the abuse is justified in their minds? Of course it is. It’s tyranny justified by morality—feelings of hate they can’t admit to themselves.

This proves the point: Love is the only solvent for this kind of abuse.

An open mind and the ability to see ourselves from another perspective are some of the hardest things to achieve. But acknowledging our feelings of hate toward others is the only way to avoid using morality as a tool for tyranny.

When we suppress anger, it will eventually boil over in ugly ways, once again justified by morality.

The hardest thing is to be honest with ourselves. By doing so, we can overcome feelings of hate through dialogue—though painful, it’s essential to break the cycle of tyranny.

You would also enjoy this article titled: My Childhood Age 1-5

Follow me on X, Facebook, and Instagram for weekly updates!

I would be delighted to have you subscribe!