Evil Quote by Huineng
“Before you think good or evil, who are you?”
About This Quote
Source Sutra: Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, 8th century
Self‑identity dissolves before moral judgment; true insight arises from knowing one’s own nature beyond good and evil.
In simple terms: Know yourself before judging.
Key Takeaway
Question identity before moral labeling.
Themes
identity
morality
self‑knowledge
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- meditation
- ethical decision making
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Zen Buddhism
nonduality
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines you beyond labels?
- Can you act without judging?
A Different Perspective
Self‑concept may be fluid, making moral certainty hard.
![“Evil cannot be "treated" -- nor should it be. Evil has to [be] confronted and destroyed and it matters not why the evil is in play. Society has no obligation to try to rehabilitate evil.” quote by Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b89/bill-o-reilly-1019_destroyed_evil-cannot-be-treated-nor-should-it-be_3597.jpg)
