"One should judge a man mainly from his depravities. Virtues can be faked. Depravities are real"
Klaus Kinski
"One should judge a man mainly from his depravities. Virtues can be faked. Depravities are real"
Klaus Kinski
This quote comes from Klaus Kinski, the intense and controversial German actor, born on November 21, 1926. Known for his volatile temperament and eccentric personality, Kinski often played dark, troubled characters on screen, which mirrored aspects of his own tumultuous life. He is best remembered for his collaborations with director Werner Herzog in films like Aguirre, the Wrath of God and Fitzcarraldo. Kinski’s career was marked by raw performances that reflected his personal struggles and inner demons, making this quote particularly resonant in understanding his perspective.
"One should judge a man mainly from his depravities. Virtues can be faked. Depravities are real" speaks to the idea that a person’s flaws, vices, and darker inclinations reveal more about their true nature than their virtues. Kinski implies that virtues—such as kindness, generosity, or humility—can often be performative, or displayed for social approval. People can easily mask their real selves behind acts of virtue, presenting a polished image to the world. Depravities, however, are harder to disguise. In moments of moral weakness or indulgence in darker impulses, one’s true character often emerges. Kinski suggests that when we observe these behaviors, we see the most authentic side of a person.
This view aligns with Kinski’s own reputation for being brutally honest, even to the point of alienating others. His career and personal life were marked by notorious outbursts and erratic behavior, which often overshadowed his immense talent. In this context, the quote may reflect his belief that society’s moral judgments are skewed—while people may be lauded for their virtues, it’s their flaws that reveal their core.
The idea that "virtues can be faked" aligns with a cynical view of human nature, suggesting that the outward display of goodness can be deceptive. People often put on a facade of morality, whether to meet societal expectations or for personal gain. However, their "depravities" (or moral failings) are unfiltered, raw expressions of their true selves. By saying that depravities are "real," Kinski points to the notion that flaws and vices are genuine and less likely to be manipulated for public perception.
This perspective taps into a long philosophical debate about human nature—whether people are inherently good or bad, and what drives them to behave in particular ways. Kinski’s assertion challenges us to consider whether our judgments of others are based on superficial traits or a deeper understanding of their fundamental nature. Ultimately, the quote reflects Kinski’s own dark, unvarnished view of the human condition, one that resonates with the complexity of his own life and legacy.