In "It Can't Happen Here," Sinclair Lewis explores the detrimental effects of societal tolerance towards evil. He posits that when a nation allows immoral behaviors and unethical standards to persist over time, it becomes deeply corrupted. This gradual acceptance erodes the fundamental values necessary for a healthy society, leading to a bleak outcome that is difficult to reverse.
Lewis warns that the long-term implications of such tolerance are severe. A generation raised in an environment where evil is acceptable will struggle to restore goodness, as the moral fabric of the society becomes irreparably damaged. The quote serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding virtuous principles to ensure the health and future of a nation.