The article presents information about the genesis of the problem of cruelty, the causes and consequences of cruelty among the peoples of the West and the East, the objectivity and subjectivity of cruelty, the consequences of insufficient kindness. It is said that a problem of malevolence arises, which as a result has negative consequences for social relations. The views of scientists on the danger of cruelty, loneliness, shyness, aggression and social consequences are analyzed.