If the devil went about doing a tenth of what he is…
“If the devil went about doing a tenth of what he is accused of doing he would be poor from paying the blacksmith for ox-shoes for his hooves.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Exaggerating the devil's expenses highlights the absurdity of overestimating evil's power.
In simple terms: Overstating evil makes it seem poor.
Don't exaggerate threats.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- debates about evil
- political rhetoric
- ethical discussions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does hyperbole affect perception of moral issues?
- When is exaggeration useful?