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[[FriendToAllLivingThings Compassion]], [[UnclePennybags generosity,]] [[ThouShallNotKill mercy,]] [[TheEmpath empathy,]] [[WorthyOpponent honor,]] [[UndyingLoyalty loyalty,]] [[ForGreatJustice justice]]; these are all highly desirable traits in people. It is by those values by which people are able to cooperate and society is able to function.
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[[FriendToAllLivingThings Compassion]], [[UnclePennybags generosity,]] [[ThouShallNotKill mercy,]] [[TheEmpath empathy,]] [[WorthyOpponent honor,]] [[UndyingLoyalty loyalty,]] [[ForGreatJustice justice]]; these are all highly desirable traits in people. justice]]. It is by those these values by which people are able to cooperate and society is able to function.
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[[FriendToAllLivingThings Compassion]], [[UnclePennybags generosity,]] [[ThouShallNotKill mercy,]] [[PowerOfLove empathy,]] [[WorthyOpponent honor,]] [[UnDyingLoyalty loyalty,]] [[ForGreatJustice justice]]; these are all highly desirable traits in people. It is by those values by which people are able to cooperate and society is able to function.
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[[FriendToAllLivingThings Compassion]], [[UnclePennybags generosity,]] [[ThouShallNotKill mercy,]] [[PowerOfLove [[TheEmpath empathy,]] [[WorthyOpponent honor,]] [[UnDyingLoyalty [[UndyingLoyalty loyalty,]] [[ForGreatJustice justice]]; these are all highly desirable traits in people. It is by those values by which people are able to cooperate and society is able to function.
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* In ''Series/TheFlash2014'', while Leonard Snart[=/=]Captain Cold acquires a "[[FreezeRay cold generator]]" that allows him to hurt The Flash, he considers his real weakness to be his focus on saving people instead of beating the bad guy. Snart uses this to his advantage by derailing a train and forcing the Flash to save everyone, then taking him from behind while the Flash catches his breath.
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See also StrawNihilist, who believes that good is pointless rather than a weakness (though it's not uncommon for many villains to believe both). Compare LoveIsAWeakness. Contrast EvilVirtues, where evil displays virtues/morals in order to be effective.
to:
See also StrawNihilist, who believes that good is pointless rather than a weakness (though it's not uncommon for many villains to believe both). Compare Supertrope to LoveIsAWeakness. Contrast EvilVirtues, where evil displays virtues/morals in order to be effective.
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* [[Franchise/HarryPotter Voldemort]] considers love, friendship and anything related to compassion a weakness.
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This is a very common subject of a HannibalLecture when the BigBad is confronted by the hero. It's also common for the villain give a short speech about this when the hero is confronted with the choice of kiling the villain and [[ThouShallNotKill refuses to kill him]]. The hero usually responds by it is [[TheFettered from good where his strength comes]] and that [[PatrickStewartSpeech it's through the power of goodness that a diverse species as humans were able to succeed]].
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This is a very common subject of a HannibalLecture when the BigBad is confronted by the hero. It's also common for the villain give a short speech about this when the hero is confronted with the choice of kiling the villain and [[ThouShallNotKill refuses to kill him]]. The hero usually responds by it is [[TheFettered from good where his strength comes]] and that [[PatrickStewartSpeech it's through the power of goodness that a diverse species as humans were able to succeed]]. \n Depending on where the work falls on the SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism, the hero may be vindicated...[[DownerEnding or not.]]
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* This is one of Black's traits in ''TabletopGame/MagicTheGathering''. It rejects all virtues that won't help it reach it's own personal goals and ambitions; Black isn't necessary evil, but it doesn't care about morals.
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[[AC:[[FanWork]]]]
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Belief in this is a telltale sign of being TheSociopath, or at least TheUnfettered or having a LackOfEmpathy. Cynically interpreted, one who believes this can be seen as the {{Ubermensch}}. This can be one JerkJustification for a character to be a {{Jerkass}}.
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Belief in this is a telltale sign of being TheSociopath, or at least TheUnfettered or having a LackOfEmpathy. Cynically interpreted, one who believes this can be seen as the {{Ubermensch}}. This can be one JerkJustification of the JerkJustifications for a character to be a {{Jerkass}}.
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Belief in this is a telltale sign of being TheSociopath, or at least TheUnfettered or having a LackOfEmpathy. Cynically interpreted, one who believes this can be seen as the {{Ubermensch}}.
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Belief in this is a telltale sign of being TheSociopath, or at least TheUnfettered or having a LackOfEmpathy. Cynically interpreted, one who believes this can be seen as the {{Ubermensch}}. \n This can be one JerkJustification for a character to be a {{Jerkass}}.
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Please correct me
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[[FriendToAllLivingThings Compassion]], [[UncleMoneybags generosity,]] [[ThouShallNotKill mercy,]] [[PowerOfLove empathy,]] [[WorthyOpponent honor,]] [[UnDyingLoyalty loyalty,]] [[ForGreatJustice justice]]; these are all highly desirable traits in people. It is by those values by which people are able to cooperate and society is able to function.
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[[FriendToAllLivingThings Compassion]], [[UncleMoneybags [[UnclePennybags generosity,]] [[ThouShallNotKill mercy,]] [[PowerOfLove empathy,]] [[WorthyOpponent honor,]] [[UnDyingLoyalty loyalty,]] [[ForGreatJustice justice]]; these are all highly desirable traits in people. It is by those values by which people are able to cooperate and society is able to function.
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[[AC:[[FanWork]]]]
* Queen Chrysalis in the ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' fanfic, [[TheNuptialverse ''Metamorphosis'']] not only doesn't understand [[EvilCannotComprehendGood why Twilight]] still fights for them, despite all of them cold-heartedly left her. But is disgusted at the fact.
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** Mixed with BlueAndOrangeMorality, the Changeling [[EmotionEater Queen Chrysalis]] only sees love as food source, and laughs at the idea of actually loving someone.
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Compassion, generosity, mercy, empathy, honor, loyalty, justice; these are all highly desirable traits in people. It is by those values by which people are able to cooperate and society is able to function.
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* In the short ''Disney/EducationForDeath'', a German boy's teacher is horrified when he expresses sympathy for a rabbit killed by a fox in a story. Instead he claims that the fox is to be admired and the rabbit hated because according to the Nazis, Might Makes Right. After being the class fool for a day, Hans becomes a fanatic who screams that he wishes the rabbit would die.
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* In the short ''Disney/EducationForDeath'', a German boy's teacher is horrified when he expresses sympathy for a rabbit killed by a fox in a story. Instead he claims that the fox is to be admired and the rabbit hated because according to the Nazis, Might Makes Right.MightMakesRight. After being the class fool for a day, Hans becomes a fanatic who screams that he wishes the rabbit would die.
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One way to show a bad guy really KickTheDog is to express his distate for these virtues. It's not that he absolutely [[EvilCannotComprehendGood can't comprehend good]], he understands exactly what goodness entails, and he completely eschews it in order to make himself more effective. He sees goodness as nothing but a weakness to be exploited in others.
to:
One way to show a bad guy really KickTheDog is to express his distate distaste for these virtues. It's not that he absolutely [[EvilCannotComprehendGood can't comprehend good]], he understands exactly what goodness entails, and he completely eschews it in order to make himself more effective. He sees goodness as nothing but a weakness to be exploited in others.
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* In the short ''Disney/EducationForDeath'', a German boy's teacher is horrified when he expresses sympathy for a rabbit killed by a fox in a story.
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* In the short ''Disney/EducationForDeath'', a German boy's teacher is horrified when he expresses sympathy for a rabbit killed by a fox in a story. Instead he claims that the fox is to be admired and the rabbit hated because according to the Nazis, Might Makes Right. After being the class fool for a day, Hans becomes a fanatic who screams that he wishes the rabbit would die.
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* The Cyber-Planner in ''Series/DoctorWho'' episode "Nightmare in Silver" scoffs at the Doctor for having emotions, and for his willingness to make sacrifices to protect the children in his care.
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* In the short ''Disney/EducationForDeath'', a German boy's teacher is horrified when he expresses sympathy for a rabbit killed by a fox in a story.
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* [[ThoseWackyNazis Strasse]] in ''Videogame/WolfensteinTheNewOrder'' dismisses compassion as a "pointless instinct, not ift for the master race."
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* [[ThoseWackyNazis Strasse]] in ''Videogame/WolfensteinTheNewOrder'' dismisses compassion as a "pointless instinct, not ift fit for the master race."
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* [[ThoseWackyNazis Strasse]] in ''Videogame/WolfensteinTheNewOrder'' dismisses compassion as a "pointless instinct, not ift for the master race."
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!Examples
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* In ''Film/TheDarkKnight'', once Gotham's top crime bosses call a truce to take down Batman, they discuss the fact that Batman does not kill and how it is a reason to not really fear him at all. [[spoiler:Batman later proves the mafia leader, Sal Maroni, wrong by dropping him from a non-lethal, yet quite painful height.]]
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* In ''Film/TheDarkKnight'', once Gotham's top crime bosses call a truce to take down Batman, they discuss the fact that Batman does not kill and how it is a reason to not really fear him at all. [[spoiler:Batman later proves the mafia leader, Sal Maroni, wrong by dropping him from a non-lethal, yet quite painful height.]] ''Film/TheDarkKnightSaga'':
** In ''Film/TheDarkKnight'', once Gotham's top crime bosses call a truce to take down Batman, they discuss the fact that Batman does not kill and how it is a reason to not really fear him at all. [[spoiler:Batman later proves the mafia leader, Sal Maroni, wrong by dropping him from a non-lethal, yet quite painful height.]]
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* At some point in ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'', Gilgamesh Wulfenbach complains that every time he tries to be reasonable or show compassion, other people see it as weakness and attack him, forcing him to beat them up instead (in the process of doing exactly that). Then it clicks for him that the same happens to his father.
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* At some point in ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'', Gilgamesh Wulfenbach complains [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080303 complains]] that every time he tries to be reasonable or show compassion, other people see it as weakness and attack him, forcing him to beat them up instead (in the process of doing exactly that). Then it clicks for him that the same happens to his father.
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**It could even be argued that this is the central theme of the entire franchise.
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** "Mercy is a sign of weakness" is a common motto/thought of the day in 40k. In the video game ''VideoGame/Warhammer40000SpaceMarine'', it can be found engraved on the butt of artillery shells.
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** "Mercy is a sign of weakness" is a common motto/thought of the day in 40k. In the video game ''VideoGame/Warhammer40000SpaceMarine'', it can be found [[http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=591471 engraved on the butt of artillery shells.shells]].
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** "Mercy is a sign of weakness" is a common motto/thought of the day in 40k. In the video game ''VideoGame/Warhammer40000SpaceMarine'', it can be found engraved on the butt of artillery shells.
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[[AC:WebComics]]
* At some point in ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'', Gilgamesh Wulfenbach complains that every time he tries to be reasonable or show compassion, other people see it as weakness and attack him, forcing him to beat them up instead (in the process of doing exactly that). Then it clicks for him that the same happens to his father.
* At some point in ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'', Gilgamesh Wulfenbach complains that every time he tries to be reasonable or show compassion, other people see it as weakness and attack him, forcing him to beat them up instead (in the process of doing exactly that). Then it clicks for him that the same happens to his father.
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typo
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* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40K'' and ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'': As the Chaos Space Marines [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O03WLn8SzaE#t=26 say it best,]] "Sanity... is for the ''weak!''" Given that one of their gods is a literal embodiment of excess in every way, shape and form, they actually gain favor with hir by corrupting the virtuous and the faithful. The others aren't much better, like the Chaos god of disease, plague and love being ''very'' generous with his gifts of boils and pestilence, while the god of backstabbers, mutants and sorcerers is hope incarnate. And then there's Khorne, who was the god of martial valor before becoming an enraged berserker who doesn't care if his followers, their enemies or non-combatants shed blood in battle [[note]]He is, however, very particular that his followers only claim the skull of a WorthyOpponent[[/note]].
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* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40K'' and ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'': As the Chaos Space Marines [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O03WLn8SzaE#t=26 say it best,]] "Sanity... is for the ''weak!''" Given that one of their gods is a literal embodiment of excess in every way, shape and form, they actually gain favor with hir him (her? It's complicated.) by corrupting the virtuous and the faithful. The others aren't much better, like the Chaos god of disease, plague and love being ''very'' generous with his gifts of boils and pestilence, while the god of backstabbers, mutants and sorcerers is hope incarnate. And then there's Khorne, who was the god of martial valor before becoming an enraged berserker who doesn't care if his followers, their enemies or non-combatants shed blood in battle [[note]]He is, however, very particular that his followers only claim the skull of a WorthyOpponent[[/note]].
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** This is a common belief that is passed down through the current Lannister family. Even the otherwise good-intentioned Tyrion considers honor to be a way to death.
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->Honesty is fatal, it should be taboo\\
->Diligence a fate I would hate\\
->If charity means giving, I give it to you\\
->Diligence a fate I would hate\\
->If charity means giving, I give it to you\\
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->Honesty is fatal, it should be taboo\\
taboo
->Diligence a fate I wouldhate\\
hate
->If charity means giving, I give it toyou\\ you
->Diligence a fate I would
->If charity means giving, I give it to
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Diligence a fate I would hate\\
If charity means giving, I give it to you\\
And fidelity is only for your mate
If charity means giving, I give it to you\\
And fidelity is only for your mate
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->Honesty is fatal, it should be taboo\\
Diligence a fate I would hate\\
If charity means giving, I give it to you\\
And fidelity is only for your mate
-->'''Mordred''', "The Seven Deadly Virtues", ''Theatre/{{Camelot}}''
Compassion, generosity, mercy, empathy, honor, loyalty, justice; these are all highly desirable traits in people. It is by those values by which people are able to cooperate and society is able to function.
One way to show a bad guy really KickTheDog is to express his distate for these virtues. It's not that he absolutely [[EvilCannotComprehendGood can't comprehend good]], he understands exactly what goodness entails, and he completely eschews it in order to make himself more effective. He sees goodness as nothing but a weakness to be exploited in others.
This is a very common subject of a HannibalLecture when the BigBad is confronted by the hero. It's also common for the villain give a short speech about this when the hero is confronted with the choice of kiling the villain and [[ThouShallNotKill refuses to kill him]]. The hero usually responds by it is [[TheFettered from good where his strength comes]] and that [[PatrickStewartSpeech it's through the power of goodness that a diverse species as humans were able to succeed]].
Belief in this is a telltale sign of being TheSociopath, or at least TheUnfettered or having a LackOfEmpathy. Cynically interpreted, one who believes this can be seen as the {{Ubermensch}}.
See also StrawNihilist, who believes that good is pointless rather than a weakness (though it's not uncommon for many villains to believe both). Compare LoveIsAWeakness. Contrast EvilVirtues, where evil displays virtues/morals in order to be effective.
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!Examples
[[AC:ComicBooks]]
* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}''. Jim Gordon's sociopathic serial killer son James Gordon Jr. believes that empathy is a weakness.
* The BigBad in the first ''ComicBook/{{Blacksad}}'' comic book is a notorious CorruptCorporateExecutive who murdered his mistress in cold blood and uses his vast wealth to place himself above the law. When Blacksad tracks him down to exact vengeance, the bad guy taunts him that he wouldn't dare to perform a VigilanteExecution because Blacksad is held down by his moral scruples. The villain prides himself on being so cold-blooded that he would do anything for power and his own gratification. [[spoiler:Blacksad blows his brains out, noting afterwards that he wouldn't have been able to go through with it if for not for this display of sheer haughtiness.]]
[[AC:[[AnimatedFilm Film - Animated]]]]
* ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles''
** Syndrome gives a very KickTheDog version after Mr. Incredible refuses to kill [[TheDragon Mirage]], even in the face of his family's (seeming) death.
-->I knew you couldn't do it, even when you had nothing to lose! You're weak. And I've outgrown you.
** Mirage later rebuts it:
-->He's not weak, you know. Valuing life is not weakness. And disregarding it is not strength!
[[AC:[[LiveActionFilm Film - Live Action]]]]
* In ''Film/TheDarkKnight'', once Gotham's top crime bosses call a truce to take down Batman, they discuss the fact that Batman does not kill and how it is a reason to not really fear him at all. [[spoiler:Batman later proves the mafia leader, Sal Maroni, wrong by dropping him from a non-lethal, yet quite painful height.]]
** ''Film/BatmanBegins'' has [[KnightTemplar Ducard]] trying to talk [[TechnicalPacifist Bruce]] into executing a criminal during his martial arts training, arguing that Bruce's compassion is a weakness that his enemies will not share.
* In ''Film/BatmanAndRobin'', Mr. Freeze zaps Robin, forcing Batman into a SadisticChoice: "Chase the villain or save the boy." He concludes, "Emotion makes you weak. That's why the day is mine. I'll kill you next time."
* This is more distaste for one virtue, but in ''Film/TheKarateKid'', Sensei Kreese delivers a denigrating speech about mercy to his students.
-->Mercy is for the weak. We do not train to be merciful here. If a man faces you, he is the enemy. An enemy deserves no mercy.
* In ''Film/ManOfSteel'', Faora-Ul gives Superman a speech about this combined with rantings of [[SocialDarwinist social darwinism]].
-->'''Faora''': You're weak, son of El. The fact that you possess a sense of morality and we do not gives us an evolutionary advantage. And if history has proven anything, it is that evolution always wins.
* ''Film/{{Superman II}}''. During the battle in Metropolis Superman spends a lot of time saving people from falling debris. General Zod shares an observation with his fellow villain Ursa.
-->'''General Zod''': This "Superman" is nothing of the kind. I've discovered his weakness. He cares. He actually cares for these people.
* In ''Film/FlashGordon'', as Flash is going to be executed, Dale is crying. Ming the Merciless and his daughter have this exchange:
-->'''Aura:''' Look! Water is leaking from her eyes!
-->'''Ming:''' It's what they call "tears". It's a sign of their weakness.
* Various Sith in the ''Franchise/StarWars'' universe believe that the Jedi's adherence to their Code (which promotes self-control and peaceful conflict resolution) is what makes them weaker than the Sith themselves (who value freedom from restraints above all else).
* In ''Film/{{Downfall}}'', Adolf Hitler gives a speech during one of the dinners in the bunker that he believes it is natural and right that [[TheSocialDarwinist the strong should kill off the weak]], citing how apes bash in the skulls of smaller ones during fights. He calls compassion towards other people a "natural sin" and morality a human flaw.
[[AC:{{Literature}}]]
* In ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'', Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish remarks that Eddard Stark's honorable nature is his greatest weakness even though he treats it as his armor. [[spoiler:This comes back to bite Ned when Cersei Lannister and Littlefinger exploit that GoodCannotComprehendEvil and capture him, leading to his public execution by the new king Joffrey.]]
[[AC:LiveActionTV]]
* Lionel Luthor in ''Series/{{Smallville}}'' believes in this wholeheartedly, and he has been teaching this to his son [[SelfDemonstrating/LexLuthor Lex]] his whole life. Lex initially tries not to follow and to be genuinely good at first, but later on, everyone's constant rejection of his attempts at goodness leads him to [[ThenLetMeBeEvil gradually embrace]] his selfishness and exploitation of others.
* In ''Series/LoisAndClark'', after SelfDemonstrating/LexLuthor analyzes Superman through a series of tests of his strength and speed, he remarks to his servant that he has found the chink in his armor; the fact he has morals.
* In ''Series/TheBigBangTheory'', once [[InsufferableGenius Sheldon Cooper]] realizes that his girlfriend Amy had been making him more compassionate and open-minded he goes and attempts to break up with her, realizing that she had been weakening the strength of his own values of stubborness and complete disregard for others' opinions.
* [[DiscussedTrope Discussed]] in ''Series/{{Sherlock}}'', with Sherlock asking his brother is his lack of caring about others is a good or bad thing.
--> '''Sherlock:''' Look at them. They all care so much. Do you ever wonder if there's something wrong with us?
--> '''Mycroft:''' All lives end. All hearts are broken. Caring is not an advantage, Sherlock.
* In the ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' episode "Space Seed", when Marla [=McGivers=] [[HighHeelFaceTurn asks to be excused]] from seeing her captain and the other officers executed, Khan comments, "I had hoped you would be stronger."
[[AC:TabletopGames]]
* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40K'' and ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'': As the Chaos Space Marines [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O03WLn8SzaE#t=26 say it best,]] "Sanity... is for the ''weak!''" Given that one of their gods is a literal embodiment of excess in every way, shape and form, they actually gain favor with hir by corrupting the virtuous and the faithful. The others aren't much better, like the Chaos god of disease, plague and love being ''very'' generous with his gifts of boils and pestilence, while the god of backstabbers, mutants and sorcerers is hope incarnate. And then there's Khorne, who was the god of martial valor before becoming an enraged berserker who doesn't care if his followers, their enemies or non-combatants shed blood in battle [[note]]He is, however, very particular that his followers only claim the skull of a WorthyOpponent[[/note]].
* Mercykillers from the ''Planescape'' campaign setting were zero tolerance on injustice. Their credo is that 'mercy is for the weak, and the merciful should be punished'- they preferred to exact brutal, final punishments for criminals, and viewed mercy as a weakness to be purged from the multiverse.
[[AC:{{Theatre}}]]
* In ''Theater/{{Camelot}}'', Mordred sings a song called "The Seven Deadly Virtues", saying that courage, purity, honesty, humility, diligence, fidelity and charity are "ghastly little traps" fit only for those more foolish than he.
[[AC:VideoGames]]
* In ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork 6'', one scenario baddie says that Lan's FatalFlaw is that he's [[NiceGuy too nice]]. Lan responds with "Being nice is a good thing!"
* In ''Videogame/DynastyWarriors 7: Empires''. You can make [[TheGoodKing Liu Bei]]-- who's canonical obsession with ruling with [[AC:Benevolence]] runs through his other officers as their [[PlanetOfHats hat]]-- Evil, so to speak. If you make his Fame "Evil", he will eventually [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf_vjYuYlgo get a cutscene]] where he regrets being so virtuous.
[[AC:WesternAnimation]]
* In the final battle between Avatar Aang and Phoenix King Ozai in ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'', Ozai refers to Aang's unwillingness to kill him his weakness and tries to exploit it to kill Aang back. [[spoiler:Of course, Aang uses his newly-acquired Chi-bending to [[CruelMercy render Ozai unable to firebend]], which probably makes Ozai [[FateWorseThanDeath wish he was killed instead]].]]
* In the ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' episode "The Return of Harmony", Discord manages to [[BreakTheCutie emotionally break]] the mane six (right before hypnotizing all but Twilight) by explaining how the virtues represented by the elements of harmony are weaknesses. Specifically, honesty causes others to know things you don't want them to know, laughter hurts the feelings of the one being laughed at, kindness opens yourself up to being abused by others, generosity prevents you from getting the things that you want, loyalty means nothing when you can't be in two places at once and have to choose between two loyalties, and in general harmony is pointless as its own elements lead it to collapse on itself.
* David Xanatos, from ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}'' said that love was his only weakness, after having to ally himself with the heroes. Goliath is sick to hear this.
--> '''Xanatos:''' So now you know my weakness.
--> '''Goliath:''' Only you would regard ''love'' as a weakness.
Diligence a fate I would hate\\
If charity means giving, I give it to you\\
And fidelity is only for your mate
-->'''Mordred''', "The Seven Deadly Virtues", ''Theatre/{{Camelot}}''
Compassion, generosity, mercy, empathy, honor, loyalty, justice; these are all highly desirable traits in people. It is by those values by which people are able to cooperate and society is able to function.
One way to show a bad guy really KickTheDog is to express his distate for these virtues. It's not that he absolutely [[EvilCannotComprehendGood can't comprehend good]], he understands exactly what goodness entails, and he completely eschews it in order to make himself more effective. He sees goodness as nothing but a weakness to be exploited in others.
This is a very common subject of a HannibalLecture when the BigBad is confronted by the hero. It's also common for the villain give a short speech about this when the hero is confronted with the choice of kiling the villain and [[ThouShallNotKill refuses to kill him]]. The hero usually responds by it is [[TheFettered from good where his strength comes]] and that [[PatrickStewartSpeech it's through the power of goodness that a diverse species as humans were able to succeed]].
Belief in this is a telltale sign of being TheSociopath, or at least TheUnfettered or having a LackOfEmpathy. Cynically interpreted, one who believes this can be seen as the {{Ubermensch}}.
See also StrawNihilist, who believes that good is pointless rather than a weakness (though it's not uncommon for many villains to believe both). Compare LoveIsAWeakness. Contrast EvilVirtues, where evil displays virtues/morals in order to be effective.
----
!Examples
[[AC:ComicBooks]]
* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}''. Jim Gordon's sociopathic serial killer son James Gordon Jr. believes that empathy is a weakness.
* The BigBad in the first ''ComicBook/{{Blacksad}}'' comic book is a notorious CorruptCorporateExecutive who murdered his mistress in cold blood and uses his vast wealth to place himself above the law. When Blacksad tracks him down to exact vengeance, the bad guy taunts him that he wouldn't dare to perform a VigilanteExecution because Blacksad is held down by his moral scruples. The villain prides himself on being so cold-blooded that he would do anything for power and his own gratification. [[spoiler:Blacksad blows his brains out, noting afterwards that he wouldn't have been able to go through with it if for not for this display of sheer haughtiness.]]
[[AC:[[AnimatedFilm Film - Animated]]]]
* ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles''
** Syndrome gives a very KickTheDog version after Mr. Incredible refuses to kill [[TheDragon Mirage]], even in the face of his family's (seeming) death.
-->I knew you couldn't do it, even when you had nothing to lose! You're weak. And I've outgrown you.
** Mirage later rebuts it:
-->He's not weak, you know. Valuing life is not weakness. And disregarding it is not strength!
[[AC:[[LiveActionFilm Film - Live Action]]]]
* In ''Film/TheDarkKnight'', once Gotham's top crime bosses call a truce to take down Batman, they discuss the fact that Batman does not kill and how it is a reason to not really fear him at all. [[spoiler:Batman later proves the mafia leader, Sal Maroni, wrong by dropping him from a non-lethal, yet quite painful height.]]
** ''Film/BatmanBegins'' has [[KnightTemplar Ducard]] trying to talk [[TechnicalPacifist Bruce]] into executing a criminal during his martial arts training, arguing that Bruce's compassion is a weakness that his enemies will not share.
* In ''Film/BatmanAndRobin'', Mr. Freeze zaps Robin, forcing Batman into a SadisticChoice: "Chase the villain or save the boy." He concludes, "Emotion makes you weak. That's why the day is mine. I'll kill you next time."
* This is more distaste for one virtue, but in ''Film/TheKarateKid'', Sensei Kreese delivers a denigrating speech about mercy to his students.
-->Mercy is for the weak. We do not train to be merciful here. If a man faces you, he is the enemy. An enemy deserves no mercy.
* In ''Film/ManOfSteel'', Faora-Ul gives Superman a speech about this combined with rantings of [[SocialDarwinist social darwinism]].
-->'''Faora''': You're weak, son of El. The fact that you possess a sense of morality and we do not gives us an evolutionary advantage. And if history has proven anything, it is that evolution always wins.
* ''Film/{{Superman II}}''. During the battle in Metropolis Superman spends a lot of time saving people from falling debris. General Zod shares an observation with his fellow villain Ursa.
-->'''General Zod''': This "Superman" is nothing of the kind. I've discovered his weakness. He cares. He actually cares for these people.
* In ''Film/FlashGordon'', as Flash is going to be executed, Dale is crying. Ming the Merciless and his daughter have this exchange:
-->'''Aura:''' Look! Water is leaking from her eyes!
-->'''Ming:''' It's what they call "tears". It's a sign of their weakness.
* Various Sith in the ''Franchise/StarWars'' universe believe that the Jedi's adherence to their Code (which promotes self-control and peaceful conflict resolution) is what makes them weaker than the Sith themselves (who value freedom from restraints above all else).
* In ''Film/{{Downfall}}'', Adolf Hitler gives a speech during one of the dinners in the bunker that he believes it is natural and right that [[TheSocialDarwinist the strong should kill off the weak]], citing how apes bash in the skulls of smaller ones during fights. He calls compassion towards other people a "natural sin" and morality a human flaw.
[[AC:{{Literature}}]]
* In ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'', Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish remarks that Eddard Stark's honorable nature is his greatest weakness even though he treats it as his armor. [[spoiler:This comes back to bite Ned when Cersei Lannister and Littlefinger exploit that GoodCannotComprehendEvil and capture him, leading to his public execution by the new king Joffrey.]]
[[AC:LiveActionTV]]
* Lionel Luthor in ''Series/{{Smallville}}'' believes in this wholeheartedly, and he has been teaching this to his son [[SelfDemonstrating/LexLuthor Lex]] his whole life. Lex initially tries not to follow and to be genuinely good at first, but later on, everyone's constant rejection of his attempts at goodness leads him to [[ThenLetMeBeEvil gradually embrace]] his selfishness and exploitation of others.
* In ''Series/LoisAndClark'', after SelfDemonstrating/LexLuthor analyzes Superman through a series of tests of his strength and speed, he remarks to his servant that he has found the chink in his armor; the fact he has morals.
* In ''Series/TheBigBangTheory'', once [[InsufferableGenius Sheldon Cooper]] realizes that his girlfriend Amy had been making him more compassionate and open-minded he goes and attempts to break up with her, realizing that she had been weakening the strength of his own values of stubborness and complete disregard for others' opinions.
* [[DiscussedTrope Discussed]] in ''Series/{{Sherlock}}'', with Sherlock asking his brother is his lack of caring about others is a good or bad thing.
--> '''Sherlock:''' Look at them. They all care so much. Do you ever wonder if there's something wrong with us?
--> '''Mycroft:''' All lives end. All hearts are broken. Caring is not an advantage, Sherlock.
* In the ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' episode "Space Seed", when Marla [=McGivers=] [[HighHeelFaceTurn asks to be excused]] from seeing her captain and the other officers executed, Khan comments, "I had hoped you would be stronger."
[[AC:TabletopGames]]
* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40K'' and ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'': As the Chaos Space Marines [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O03WLn8SzaE#t=26 say it best,]] "Sanity... is for the ''weak!''" Given that one of their gods is a literal embodiment of excess in every way, shape and form, they actually gain favor with hir by corrupting the virtuous and the faithful. The others aren't much better, like the Chaos god of disease, plague and love being ''very'' generous with his gifts of boils and pestilence, while the god of backstabbers, mutants and sorcerers is hope incarnate. And then there's Khorne, who was the god of martial valor before becoming an enraged berserker who doesn't care if his followers, their enemies or non-combatants shed blood in battle [[note]]He is, however, very particular that his followers only claim the skull of a WorthyOpponent[[/note]].
* Mercykillers from the ''Planescape'' campaign setting were zero tolerance on injustice. Their credo is that 'mercy is for the weak, and the merciful should be punished'- they preferred to exact brutal, final punishments for criminals, and viewed mercy as a weakness to be purged from the multiverse.
[[AC:{{Theatre}}]]
* In ''Theater/{{Camelot}}'', Mordred sings a song called "The Seven Deadly Virtues", saying that courage, purity, honesty, humility, diligence, fidelity and charity are "ghastly little traps" fit only for those more foolish than he.
[[AC:VideoGames]]
* In ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork 6'', one scenario baddie says that Lan's FatalFlaw is that he's [[NiceGuy too nice]]. Lan responds with "Being nice is a good thing!"
* In ''Videogame/DynastyWarriors 7: Empires''. You can make [[TheGoodKing Liu Bei]]-- who's canonical obsession with ruling with [[AC:Benevolence]] runs through his other officers as their [[PlanetOfHats hat]]-- Evil, so to speak. If you make his Fame "Evil", he will eventually [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf_vjYuYlgo get a cutscene]] where he regrets being so virtuous.
[[AC:WesternAnimation]]
* In the final battle between Avatar Aang and Phoenix King Ozai in ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'', Ozai refers to Aang's unwillingness to kill him his weakness and tries to exploit it to kill Aang back. [[spoiler:Of course, Aang uses his newly-acquired Chi-bending to [[CruelMercy render Ozai unable to firebend]], which probably makes Ozai [[FateWorseThanDeath wish he was killed instead]].]]
* In the ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' episode "The Return of Harmony", Discord manages to [[BreakTheCutie emotionally break]] the mane six (right before hypnotizing all but Twilight) by explaining how the virtues represented by the elements of harmony are weaknesses. Specifically, honesty causes others to know things you don't want them to know, laughter hurts the feelings of the one being laughed at, kindness opens yourself up to being abused by others, generosity prevents you from getting the things that you want, loyalty means nothing when you can't be in two places at once and have to choose between two loyalties, and in general harmony is pointless as its own elements lead it to collapse on itself.
* David Xanatos, from ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}'' said that love was his only weakness, after having to ally himself with the heroes. Goliath is sick to hear this.
--> '''Xanatos:''' So now you know my weakness.
--> '''Goliath:''' Only you would regard ''love'' as a weakness.
