Quote by C.S. Lewis

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.


Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good

Summary

This quote by C.S. Lewis suggests that a tyranny which is genuinely concerned with benefiting its victims can be even more oppressive than one driven solely by selfish motives. Lewis posits that it is preferable to live under the rule of ruthless individuals who may occasionally show mercy or be satisfied with their greed, rather than under self-righteous and morally authoritative beings who justify their relentless torment with good intentions. The latter, according to Lewis, possess an enduring determination to control and oppress as they believe their actions are justified by their own conscience.

By C.S. Lewis
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