Appropriate Quote by Richard Rohr
“You cannot be naïve about evil. You cannot be naïve to the reality that there are human beings and human situations which have totally identified with the dark side of reality. They are malicious. Realism teaches you to put up appropriate boundaries so that people can't do any more evil than possible. But that doesn't mean you do evil back to them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Falling Up, 2011
Naïve optimism about evil is dangerous; realistic boundaries protect while avoiding retaliation.
In simple terms: Realism sets boundaries against evil.
Key Takeaway
Set boundaries, avoid retaliation.
Themes
ethics
awareness
boundaries
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- counseling
- conflict resolution
- personal safety
Key Concepts
psychology
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance compassion and self‑protection?
- When is it appropriate to confront evil?
A Different Perspective
Boundaries may lead to isolation.
![“[T]he appropriate form of address between man and man ought to be, not monsieur, sir, but fellow sufferer, compagnon de miseres.” quote by Arthur Schopenhauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be6/arthur-schopenhauer-226_addresses_t-he-appropriate-form-of-address-between_32897.jpg)
