Skip to content

And still we love the evil cause And of the just effect…

“And still we love the evil cause And of the just effect complain; We tread upon life's broken laws And murmur at our self-inflicted pain.” quote by John Greenleaf Whittier
Download Open image
““And still we love the evil cause And of the just effect complain; We tread upon life's broken laws And murmur at our self-inflicted pain.””

John Greenleaf Whittier

About This Quote

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

The poem expresses love for evil causes and righteous suffering, acknowledging humanity’s tendency to complain about self-inflicted pain while breaking moral laws.

In simple terms: We love bad causes and complain about our own pain.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge our own contradictions.

Themes

contradiction morality pain justice human nature

Mood

somber thoughtful

Type

philosophical poetic

When to use this quote

  • Philosophical reflection
  • moral education
  • personal growth
  • social critique

Key Concepts

Self‑inflicted suffering ethical paradox

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we cling to harmful causes?
  • How can we break cycles of self‑inflicted pain?
A Different Perspective

It may romanticize evil or justify suffering.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Greenleaf Whittier

Explore all 188 John Greenleaf Whittier quotes

More Evil quotes

Browse all 11,163 Evil quotes