Quote by C.S. Lewis
Of all tyrannies a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may 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.
Summary
This quote highlights the potential danger of well-intentioned tyrannies. It argues that a tyranny executed in the name of benefiting its victims can be even more oppressive than one led by selfish robber barons. While the cruelty of a robber baron may have limits, those who oppress us under the guise of seeking our betterment will tirelessly continue to do so. The quote suggests that the moral self-righteousness of such individuals, acting with the approval of their own conscience, can be a never-ending source of torment.
Topics
Tyranny
By C.S. Lewis
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