Skip to content

Death Quote by W. Somerset Maugham

“Evil can be condoned only if in the beyond it is compensated by good and god himself needs immortality to vindicate his ways to man.” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
Download Open image
“Evil can be condoned only if in the beyond it is compensated by good and god himself needs immortality to vindicate his ways to man.”

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

The quote suggests that evil is tolerated only when it is offset by greater good, and that even divine beings require justification for their actions toward humanity.

In simple terms: Evil is accepted if balanced by good; even gods need justification.

Key Takeaway

Consider moral balance and justification.

Themes

ethics theology philosophy

Mood

thoughtful speculative

Type

philosophical theological

When to use this quote

  • legal judgments
  • religious doctrine
  • personal moral decisions

Key Concepts

moral relativism divine justice

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it always possible to balance evil with good?
  • How do we judge divine motives?
A Different Perspective

The claim is abstract and may not apply to concrete situations.

3.1 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by W. Somerset Maugham

Explore all 840 W. Somerset Maugham quotes

More Death quotes

Browse all 39,127 Death quotes