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It is as inhuman to be totally good as it is to be totally…

“It is as inhuman to be totally good as it is to be totally evil. The important thing is moral choice. Evil has to exist along with good, in order that moral choice may operate. Life is sustained by the grinding opposition of moral entities.” quote by Anthony Burgess
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““It is as inhuman to be totally good as it is to be totally evil. The important thing is moral choice. Evil has to exist along with good, in order that moral choice may operate. Life is sustained by the grinding opposition of moral entities.””

Anthony Burgess

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Moral balance requires both good and evil; without opposition, moral choice cannot exist, and life depends on this tension.

In simple terms: Both good and evil are needed for moral decisions.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the role of opposition in ethical growth.

Themes

morality dualism conflict choice

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • judgment
  • personal development
  • societal norms
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

ethics philosophy human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can you identify a situation where evil enabled a good choice?
  • What happens when one side dominates?
A Different Perspective

Absolute purity is unrealistic; moral ambiguity can be exploited.

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