Great Throughts Treasury

This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.

Related Quotes

Maria Montessori

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.

Character | Evil | Good | Order | Wisdom | Child |

William Penn

To be innocent is to be not guilty; but to be virtuous is to overcome our evil inclinations.

Character | Evil |

Philo, aka Philo of Alexandria, Philo Judaeus, Philo Judaeus of Alexandria, Yedidia, "Philon", and Philo the Jew NULL

They who give, hoping to receive a requital, such as praise or honor... are in reality making a bargain.

Character | Honor | Praise | Reality | Receive |

William Penn

God is better served in resisting a temptation to evil than in many formal prayers.

Better | Character | Evil | God | Temptation | Wisdom | Temptation |

Plotinus NULL

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.

Character | Evil | Example | Security | Universe | Vice |

Tai-shang Kan-Ying Pien (Treatise of the Exalted One on Response and Retribution) NULL

The recompense of good and evil follows as the shadow follows the figure.

Character | Evil | Good | Recompense |

Bachya Ibn Pekudah

The goal to strive for is that it should be equal in your eyes if others happen to praise or insult you.

Character | Insult | Praise | Insult |

Publius Syrus

Even when there is no law, there is conscience... An evil conscience is often quiet, but never secure.

Character | Conscience | Evil | Law | Quiet |

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Do to others as you would have them do unto you, inspires all men with that other maxim of natural goodness, much less perfect indeed, but perhaps more useful: Do good to yourself with as little evil as possible to others.

Character | Evil | Good | Little | Men |

Publius Syrus

What greater evil could you wish a miser, than long life?

Character | Evil | Life | Life |

Publius Syrus

The evil that lies concealed is always the most serious.

Character | Evil |