No one who is in this world will deny that evils exist…
“No one who is in this world will deny that evils exist. What, then, do we say? That evil is not a living and animated substance, but a condition of the soul which is opposed to virtue and which springs up In the slothful because of their falling away from good.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Evil is described as a soul condition opposing virtue, arising from neglect of goodness.
In simple terms: Evil is a moral state, not a thing.
Cultivate virtue to counter moral decay.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- spiritual counseling
- ethical education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when neglect fuels moral decline?
- What practices strengthen virtue?
Evil may also stem from external circumstances, not just inner neglect.