“ Evil is an evil—not for the world, of which it cannot destroy the indestructible harmony but for the sinner who does it, and cannot help doing it. ”
Anatole France, Thaïs (1890). copy citation
| Author | Anatole France |
|---|---|
| Source | Thaïs |
| Topic | evil harmony |
| Date | 1890 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Robert B. Douglas |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2078/2078-h/2078-h.htm |
Context
“but if all were beautiful, the whole would not be beautiful. It is, then, well that there should be evil, as the second Plato, far greater than the first, has demonstrated.”
EUCRITES. Let us talk more morally. Evil is an evil—not for the world, of which it cannot destroy the indestructible harmony but for the sinner who does it, and cannot help doing it.
COTTA. By Jupiter? that is a good argument.
EUCRITES. The world is a tragedy by an excellent poet. God, who composed it, has intended each of us to play a part in it. If he wills that you shall be a beggar, a prince, or a cripple, make the best of the part assigned you.”
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