In the excerpt from Anthony Burgess's "A Clockwork Orange," the speaker reflects on the irony of people's obsession with understanding the cause of evil while neglecting the nature of goodness. They find humor in how society seems preoccupied with the darker aspects of human behavior, often questioning why individuals engage in wrongdoing instead of simply appreciating the goodness inherent in others without needing to dissect it. This perspective challenges the reader to think critically about morality and the motivations behind behavior.
The speaker suggests that individuals engage in good actions out of personal enjoyment, which should be respected, just as one should not interfere in the exploration of evil. Their stance indicates a perspective that embraces the complexities of human nature, suggesting that understanding evil doesn’t necessarily lead to solutions or improvements in society. Ultimately, the commentary nudges the audience to reconsider the emphasis placed on the cause of evil compared to the nature of goodness.