Elective Psychopathy

"...We're not reasonable and rational creatures. Far from it. We resort to reason when it suits us. For most people life is comfortable today, and we have the spare time to be unreasonable if we choose to be. We're like bored children. We've been on holiday for too long, and we've been given too many presents. Anyone who's had children knows that the greatest danger is boredom. Boredom, and a secret pleasure in one's own malice. Together they can spur a remarkable ingenuity."
"Let's stuff baby's mouth with sweets and see if he stops breathing?"
"Exactly." (103)

- J.G. Ballard Kingdom Come