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Can do Quote by C. S. Lewis

“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
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“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 one--the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts”

C. S. Lewis

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Problem of Pain, C. S. Lewis, 1940

Small sins accumulate, gradually leading one away from goodness toward ruin, often unnoticed.

In simple terms: Minor wrongs add up to big harm.

Key Takeaway

Guard against incremental moral decline.

Themes

morality gradualism temptation spiritual danger

Mood

cautionary thoughtful

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • daily decisions
  • habit formation
  • ethical leadership
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

ethics theology human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What tiny habits could erode virtue?
  • How can we notice subtle moral drift?
A Different Perspective

Not all small actions are harmful; context matters.

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