Age of reason Quote by C.S. Lewis
““Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. They may be more likely to go to Heaven yet at the same time likelier to make a Hell of earth. This very kindness stings with intolerable insult. To be "cured" against one's will and cured of states which we may not regard as disease is to be put on a level of those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Abolition of Man, 1943
Imposing moral good on others under the guise of kindness can become more oppressive than overt tyranny.
In simple terms: Well‑meaning control can be the harshest oppression.
Key Takeaway
Question authority that claims moral superiority.
Themes
power
morality
freedom
oppression
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- parental guidance
- social movements
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Who decides what is truly good?
- How to balance benevolence with autonomy?
A Different Perspective
Good intentions can justify endless domination.
![“... [T]he other lesson history has taught us - that tyranny and oppression are no match for compassion ... that the fanatical shouts of the bullies of the world are invariably silenced by the unified voices of decency that rise up to meet them.” quote by Dan Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a30/dan-brown-203_bullying_t-he-other-lesson-history-has-taught-us_1883344.jpg)
