“Evil can be undone, but it cannot "develop" into good.”
Explore This Quote Further
C.S. Lewis on the Nature of Evil and Good
The quote by C.S. Lewis, “Evil can be undone, but it cannot "develop" into good,” speaks to the fundamental differences between good and evil. Lewis suggests that while evil actions or influences can be reversed or corrected, they cannot inherently transform into something inherently good. This quote highlights the distinct and unchangeable nature of good and evil.
Understanding the Unchanging Nature of Evil
C.S. Lewis's quote reminds us that evil cannot simply transform into something good over time. This idea holds modern relevance in the sense that it highlights the importance of actively confronting and addressing evil in our world, rather than expecting it to naturally evolve into good. This concept sheds light on the need for proactive measures to overcome evil, rather than passively waiting for it to improve on its own.
Quote Example
One of the famous quotes by C.S. Lewis states, “Evil can be undone, but it cannot "develop" into good.”
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on C.S. Lewis's statement, consider the following questions:
- What examples of evil can you think of that have been undone?
- In what ways have you witnessed evil attempting to "develop" into something good?
- How do you interpret the idea that evil cannot transform into good?
- Do you agree or disagree with Lewis's perspective? Why or why not?
- What actions can individuals take to prevent evil from developing further in society?
Similar quotes
“I do not think that all who choose wrong roads perish; but their rescue consists in being put back on the right road. A sum can be put right: but only by going back til you find the error and working it afresh from that point, never by simply going on. Evil can be undone, but it cannot 'develop' into good. Time does not heal it. The spell must be unwound, bit by bit, 'with backward mutters of dissevering power' --or else not.”
“If God is wiser that we His judgement must differ from ours on many things, and not least on good and evil. What seems to us good may therefore not be good in His eyes, and what seems to us evil may not be evil.”
“Good and evil both increase at compound interest.”
“You can be good for the mere sake of goodness; you cannot be bad for the mere sake of badness. You can do a kind action when you are not feeling kind and when it gives you no pleasure, simply because kindness is right; but no one ever did a cruel action simply because cruelty is wrong - only because cruelty is pleasant or useful to him, In other words, badness cannot succeed even in being bad in the same way in which goodness is good. Goodness is, so to speak, itself: badness is only spoiled goodness. And there must be something good first before it can be spoiled.”
“Evil can be undone, but it cannot 'develop' into good. Time does not heal it. The spell must be unwound, bit by bit, 'with backward mutters of dissevering power' - or else not.”
“Do not let us mistake necessary evils for good.”