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Good men Quote by Susan Cooper

“But those men who know anything at all about the Light also know that there is a fierceness to its power, like the bare sword of the law, or the white burning of the sun." Suddenly his voice sounded to Will very strong, and very Welsh. "At the very heart, that is. Other things, like humanity, and…” quote by Susan Cooper
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““But those men who know anything at all about the Light also know that there is a fierceness to its power, like the bare sword of the law, or the white burning of the sun." Suddenly his voice sounded to Will very strong, and very Welsh. "At the very heart, that is. Other things, like humanity, and mercy, and charity, that most good men hold more precious than all else, they do not come first for the Light. Oh, sometimes they are there; often, indeed. But in the very long run the concern of you people is with the absolute good, ahead of all else. You are like fanatics. Your masters, at any rate. Like the old Crusaders -- oh, like certain groups in every belief, though this is not a matter of religion, of course. At the centre of the Light there is a cold white flame, just as at the centre of the Dark there is a great black pit bottomless as the Universe." His warm, deep voice ended, and there was only the roar of the engine. Will looked out over the grey-misted fields, silent. "There was a great long speech, now," John Rowlands said awkwardly. "But I was only saying, be careful not to forget that there are people in this valley who can be hurt, even in the pursuit of good ends.””

Susan Cooper

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Dark Is Rising, 1973

Powerful forces can be both illuminating and destructive, demanding balance with humanity and compassion.

In simple terms: Power can harm if unchecked; compassion matters.

Key Takeaway

Balance power with empathy.

Themes

power ethics balance humanity compassion

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • leadership decisions
  • policy making
  • conflict resolution
  • social activism

Key Concepts

dualism moral responsibility absolute good

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure compassion guides your actions?
  • What risks arise when power is pursued without empathy?
A Different Perspective

Power alone can corrupt without moral grounding.

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