HKB
1 passages · search this phrase →
Often appears with: the problem of evil and theodicy · the nature and attributes of God · origin of evil · fate, destiny, and necessity · epictetus on evil · contentment with fate
Usually: argument (1) · crisis of belief (1) · sudden reversal of fortune (1) · resignation (1) · skepticism (1)
“As a mark is not set up for the purpose of missing it, so neither does the nature of evil exist in the universe.” Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius · insight
“To go from among men, if there are gods, is not a thing to be afraid of, for the gods will not involve thee in evil; but if indeed they do not exist, or if they have no concern about human affairs, what is it to me to live in a universe devoid of gods or devoid of providence? But in truth they do exist, and they do care for human things, and they have put all the means in man’s power to enable him not to fall into real evils.” Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius · precept
It argues that the origin of evil can’t be altered because Zeus or providence rules the universe, and it cites Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius to claim evil is not part of reality’s constitution.
speculate on the reason of any of those disorders or evils which we perceive. This I believe is the answer which may be collected from all that Antoninus has said. The origin of evil is an old question. Achilles tells Priam that Zeus has two casks, one filled with good things, and the other with bad, and that he gives to men out of each according to his pleasure; and so we must be content, for we cannot alter the wi…