Consent Quote by Thomas Merton
“The greatest temptations are not those that solicit our consent to obvious sin, but those that offer us great evils masking as the greatest goods.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seven Storey Mountain, 1948
Temptations often appear as appealing goods while actually being harmful, requiring discernment beyond surface appeal.
In simple terms: Bad things can look like good things.
Key Takeaway
Look beyond appearances to judge true value.
Themes
temptation
morality
discernment
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- making moral decisions
- evaluating offers
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
deception
ethical judgment
spiritual vigilance
Questions to Reflect On
- What signs reveal hidden evils in appealing offers?
- How can you strengthen discernment?
A Different Perspective
Not all temptations are obvious; subtle evils can be harder to recognize.
