Choice Quote by James V. Schall
““Hell is a consequence of one’s own free choice. It would not exist if free choice did not exist or, better, if free choice were not used badly. It is not imposed arbitrarily from the outside by pitiless gods but grows logically from inside a human soul. It is the result of someone’s making himself what he wants to be, not what God wants him to be.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Soul of the World, James V. Schall, 2009
Hell is portrayed as a self‑inflicted state that arises when individuals misuse their freedom to become what they desire rather than what is morally right.
In simple terms: Hell comes from misusing free will.
Key Takeaway
Choose wisely, align will with moral good.
Themes
free will
morality
consequence
spirituality
Mood
reflective
serious
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- making ethical decisions
- spiritual reflection
- personal growth
- avoiding self‑destruction
Key Concepts
existentialism
theodicy
personal responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one balance personal desire with moral duty?
A Different Perspective
If external forces limit freedom, does the concept of hell still hold?
![“No one will seek the highest [things] if he believes that there is no truth, that nothing is his fault, and that government will guarantee his wants.” quote by James V. Schall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/541/james-v-schall-41294_believes_no-one-will-seek-the-highest-things-if-h_3215566.jpg)
