Quote by C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letter
In peace we can make many of them ignore good and evil entirely; in danger, the issue is forced upon them in a guise to which even we cannot blind them. There is here a cruel dilemma before us. If we promoted justice and charity among men, we should be playing directly into the Enemy's hands; but if we guide them to the opposite behaviour, this sooner or later produces (for He permits it to produce) a war or a revolution, and the undisguisable issue of cowardice or courage awakes thousands of men from moral stupor.This, indeed, is probably one of the Enemy's motives for creating a dangerous world-a world in which moral issues really come to the point. He sees as well as you do that courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means, at the point of highest reality. A chastity or honesty, or mercy, which yieldsto danger will be chaste or honest or merciful only on conditions. Pilate was merciful till it became risky.(the enemy referred to is God)
Summary
This quote, likely from the perspective of a demonic figure, explores the dilemma faced when trying to influence humanity's behavior. In times of peace, people can easily ignore the concepts of good and evil. However, in times of danger, individuals are forced to confront these moral issues. The quote suggests that promoting justice and charity could play into the hands of the "Enemy," i.e., God. On the other hand, guiding people towards behaviors opposite to virtue eventually leads to war or revolution and awakens their moral consciousness. The concept of courage is emphasized, as it is the crucial virtue that encompasses and tests all others.
Topics
Mercy
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