Hell Quote by C.S. Lewis
““You will say that these are very small sins; and doubtless, like all young tempters, you are anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness. But do remember, the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the Enemy. It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Screwtape Letters, 1942
Small sins accumulate, leading souls away from goodness toward emptiness.
In simple terms: Minor wrongs can cause big damage over time.
Key Takeaway
Beware gradual moral decline.
Themes
morality
temptation
spirituality
Mood
cautionary
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- daily choices
- leadership
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
cumulative sin
ethical erosion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize subtle moral slips?
- What habits keep you aligned with your values?
A Different Perspective
Even tiny misdeeds can feel insignificant, masking their impact.
![“You will say these are very small sins... [But] it does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed, the safest road to Hell is the gradual…” quote by C. S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/18e/c-s-lewis-2-132_can-do_you-will-say-these-are-very-small-sins-b_2964969.jpg)
![“Except in these latter-day songs, [Bob] Dylan is a grizzled old prophet who's already been to hell and back.” quote by Jay Michaelson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fcd/jay-michaelson-15590_bob_except-in-these-latter-day-songs-bob-dyl_3830.jpg)
