Skip to content

Character Quote by Anthony Burgess

“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
Download Open image
“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

Moral decisions require the presence of both good and evil; their tension gives meaning to ethical choices.

In simple terms: Good and evil define moral agency.

Key Takeaway

Conflict fuels morality.

Themes

ethics dualism human nature philosophy choice

Mood

thoughtful serious reflective

Type

philosophical didactic

When to use this quote

  • ethical dilemmas
  • political debates
  • personal decision‑making
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

moral agency opposition existence of evil

Practical Applications

  • ethical education
  • philosophical analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does the presence of evil shape our moral judgments?
  • Can morality exist without opposition?
3.1 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Anthony Burgess

Explore all 261 Anthony Burgess quotes

More Character quotes

Browse all 32,707 Character quotes