A quote from Edmund Burke. What does it mean?

Question

“All that is necessary for

The triumph of evil is that

Good men do nothing.”

Ya. Please help me explain what he meant in short THX

Answer 1

He means you gotta stand up for what is right and don't let the bullies rule your state like in 3rd world countries

Answer 2

I think he means that the ignorant majority of people are going to do evil and this will get out of control unless the good minority keep them in line. Of course Edmund Burke was a classic conservative, so knowing this obviously influences my interpretation of his words.

Answer 3

it means that if youre not part of the solution youre part of the problem

so if someone sees bad and does nothing he is being part of the bad thing and its conseguences

Answer 4

meaning if good men leave evil alone, then we triumph over evil, we conquer it

Answer 5

This quote is actually used in Dean Koontz's book "Odd Hours". The lead character (hero) constantly doubts whether or not he should get involved with certain situations where he could possible help or save someone.... he remembers this quote for motivation.