Single Idea 21333

[catalogued under 29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 3. Problem of Evil / a. Problem of Evil]

Full Idea

If good frequently comes out of evil, the converse fact, evil coming out of good, is equally common.

Gist of Idea

Evil comes from good just as often as good comes from evil

Source

John Stuart Mill (Nature and Utility of Religion [1874], p.117)

Book Reference

'The Existence of God', ed/tr. Hick,John [Macmillan 1964], p.117


A Reaction

Mill surmises that on the whole good comes from good, and evil from evil, but the point is that the evidence doesn't favour the production of increased good.