Skip to content

Doe Quote by Epictetus

“Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can, but does not want to.” quote by Epictetus
Download Open image
“Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can, but does not want to.”

Epictetus

About This Quote

The quote suggests a paradox about divine power and will regarding evil.

In simple terms: God may be unable or unwilling to eliminate evil.

Key Takeaway

Consider limits of divine intervention.

Themes

theology philosophy paradox

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

theoretical reflective

When to use this quote

  • personal suffering
  • social injustice
  • ethical debates

Key Concepts

free will theodicy divine power

Questions to Reflect On

  • Does evil exist because of divine limitation or choice?
  • How does this view affect moral responsibility?
2.7 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Epictetus

Explore all 577 Epictetus quotes

More Doe quotes

Browse all 25,575 Doe quotes