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About this quote

What does it mean?
Evil exists to highlight the purity of good.
In plain terms
Bad things show us how good things are.
What can you take from it?
Contrast helps define moral purity.

Where it applies

  • moral reasoning
  • philosophical debate
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • ethical reflection
  • value assessment

Questions to consider

  • How do you define good?
  • Does evil serve a purpose?

Another view

Evil does not need justification.

More from Gautama Buddha

  1. People with opinions just go around bothering each other.

    Permalink to quote #18
  2. There is no way to Happiness. Happiness is the way.

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.

    Permalink to quote #17

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