[Men] act in response to an outward situation, and on being presented with an opportunity to conform to a pattern. If the pattern gives license to cruelty, so much the better. They take advantage of the license so thoughtlessly, so thoroughly, that it becomes perfectly clear: the generality of mankind are only waiting for the chance, only waiting for outward circumstance to sanction brutality and allow them to be cruel and brutal to their heart's content.

Lotte in Weimar: The Beloved Returns