Clockwork-orange Quote by Anthony Burgess
““By definition, a human being is endowed with free will. He can use this to choose between good and evil. If he can only perform good or only perform evil, then he is a clockwork orange - meaning that he has the appearance of an organism lovely with colour and juice but is in fact only a clockwork toy to be wound up by God or the Devil or (since this is increasingly replacing both) the Almighty State. 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. This is what the television news is all about. Unfortunately there is so much original sin in us all that we find evil rather attractive. To devastate is easier and more spectacular than to create.””
About This Quote
Human freedom lies in the ability to choose between good and evil; moral choice requires the presence of both.
In simple terms: Freedom is choosing between good and evil.
Key Takeaway
Embrace moral choice, not absolute good or evil.
Themes
free will
ethics
choice
good
evil
morality
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- political systems
- media influence
- ethical dilemmas
- creative work
Key Concepts
dualism
responsibility
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing evil shape your ethical decisions?
- What role does societal pressure play in moral choices?
A Different Perspective
Absolute good or evil eliminates meaningful moral agency.
