This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.
The first idea that the child must acquire, in order to be actively disciplined, is that of the difference between good and evil, and the task of the educator lies in seeing that the child does not confound good with immobility, and evil with activity.
The sole philosophy open to those who doubt the possibility of truth is absolute silence - even mental.
Absolute | Character | Doubt | Philosophy | Silence | Truth |
To be innocent is to be not guilty; but to be virtuous is to overcome our evil inclinations.
Freedom is placed in jeopardy more by those who will not exercise it than by those who will not permit it. Indifference opens more gates to the enemy than does tyranny.
Character | Enemy | Freedom | Indifference | Tyranny | Will |
God is better served in resisting a temptation to evil than in many formal prayers.
Better | Character | Evil | God | Temptation | Wisdom | Temptation |
For most or even all forms of evil serve the Universe - much as the poisonous snake has it use - though in most cases their function is unknown. Vice itself has many useful sides: it brings about much that is beautiful, in artistic creations for example, and it stirs us to thoughtful living, not allowing us to drowse in security.
Outward judgment often fails, inward justice never.
The recompense of good and evil follows as the shadow follows the figure.
Character | Evil | Good | Recompense |