He said after a little while, 'I see why you say that only men do evil, I think. Even sharks are innocent, they kill because they must.' 'That is why nothing can resist us. Only one thing in the worl can resist an evil-hearted man. And that is another man. In our shame is our glory. Only our spirit, which is capable of evil, is capable of overcoming it. Anonymous
About This Quote

This quote has been attributed to the Greek philosopher, Epictetus. It is one of the most powerful statements about human nature ever written. It states that evil is not an essential part of human nature, but rather that it is a result of mankind’s failing to overcome its baser instincts. Without evil, people would have no way to distinguish themselves from one another. In this case, the speaker refers to his own soul as being capable of evil.

Source: The Farthest Shore

Some Similar Quotes
  1. The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool. - William Shakespeare

  2. The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times. - Paulo Coelho

  3. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle

  4. The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them. - Paulo Coelho

  5. By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. - Confucius

Related Topics