First time Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
““The first time he talked in that way he said something that I've never forgotten, because it horrified me; he said that the world isn't a creation, for out of nothing nothing comes, but a manifestation of the eternal nature; well, that was all right, but then he added that evil is as direct a manifestation of the divine as good. They were strange words to hear in that sordid, noisy café, to the accompaniment of dance tunes on the mechanical piano.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Café” (fictional excerpt), 1930
The world is a manifestation of eternity, containing both good and evil equally.
In simple terms: Evil and good both reflect the divine.
Key Takeaway
Recognize duality in existence.
Themes
theology
philosophy
duality
Mood
thoughtful
philosophical
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- ethical debates
- spiritual discussions
Key Concepts
eternalism
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile evil with a divine source?
- Does seeing both as divine change moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
Some may reject the idea of evil as divine.
