When most people hear the word sadism, they picture psychopathic serial killers or medieval torturers. But the reality is more complicated. Sadistic thoughts and impulses are far more common—and ordinary—than most of us realize.
Think back to the last villain you saw in a movie, TV show, or even real life. Someone whose actions you found truly reprehensible. Did you feel guilty when something bad happened to them? Probably not. You likely felt relief or even a rush of satisfaction. This shows how common it is for people to experience some form of sadism—even if only in their thoughts.
The Spectrum of Sadism
It’s important to distinguish between directly causing harm versus simply taking pleasure in someone else’s punishment or suffering. Almost everyone, at least at times, has indulged in the latter. But does this mean everyone has a dark, evil side? Not necessarily.
Sadism isn’t all the same. There’s a crucial difference between taking pleasure in the pain of innocent people and taking satisfaction in seeing justice done to those who have committed immoral acts.
The classic “evil sadist” enjoys causing pain regardless of who it happens to. Most people, however, only feel satisfaction when the suffering is directed at those they believe deserve it. This kind of moral sadism can even serve a social function, reinforcing shared values and justice.
Moral Sadism and Social Stability
Most cultures have a set of core moral principles. When someone violates these, they are often seen as having forfeited some of their natural rights. It makes sense, then, that many people feel pleasure in seeing justice done to those who “break the rules.”
This is why stories and movies so often feature villains who “deserve” punishment. The audience experiences relief and satisfaction when these villains are defeated or brought to justice, often through violence. These narratives reaffirm cultural morals and satisfy a collective sense of order.
Of course, what counts as “evil” can vary depending on cultural values, and this subjectivity is an important consideration.
The Danger of Moral Sadism
While moral sadism can reinforce justice, it also carries dangers. History is filled with examples of leaders who exploited this impulse—using propaganda to dehumanize groups and justify atrocities.
This dark side of moral sadism shows why we must be careful when labeling others as evil. Without strong evidence and critical thinking, our satisfaction at others’ suffering can lead to disturbing outcomes.
Conclusion: Sadism Beyond Darkness
Sadism isn’t always about cruelty or darkness. Often, it reflects a deeply human response to morality and justice. Recognizing this can help us better understand our own emotions—and caution us against letting moral satisfaction turn into reckless hatred.