“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would 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.”
-C. S. Lewis
Gladsome Lights 
I knew before opening your page this would be the quotation. It’s been one of my favorites for years, even as it’s become more, rather than less, relevant over time.
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Incredibly powerful and spot on.
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As the commenter above already said, powerful and spot on. Mr. Lewis had a wisdom that I so appreciate. I’ve loved his books. I would say he was one of my mentors when I was younger.
I see, Gretchen, in your “Best Recent Reads” list, that you’ve read Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont. I have seen the movie with Joan Plowright and loved it. I should like to read the book now. I think I should enjoy it.
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I haven’t seen the movie, but would be interested. The book was so well done!! Our women’s book group read it together.
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Too true!!
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Excellent quote! I’m making myself a copy of this. As someone else said, it certainly applies to current times, ever more aptly.
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Omnipotent moral busybodies. I fear I know to whom you refer.
Thank you for the birthday wish. I saw that card on Pinterest and thought it was perfect for the occasion.
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Moral busybodies! Oh, yes. The previous administration, assuredly. I’ve got my eye on this one, too. I really think the human race has gotten into this way of thinking, of living, that to many people, it’s not even noticed. It’s expected! So I really think it’s too far gone.
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