Allan Kardec-THE Spirit's Book_ The Principles of Spiritist Doctrine (1989)

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THE SPIRITS’ BOOK
639. The evil we do is often the result of the position that has been made for us by other men;
where, in such a case, lies the greatest amount of culpability?
"With those who have been the cause of the wrong-doing. Thus the man who has been led
into evil, by the position that his fellow-creatures have made for him, is less guilty than those
who have caused him to go astray, for each has to suffer the penalty, not only of the evil he
has done, but of that which he has caused another to do."
640. Is he who profits by another's wrongdoing, even though he took no part in its
commission, as guilty as though he had taken part in it?
"Yes; to take advantage of a crime is to take part in it. He would, perhaps, have shrunk from
committing the evil deed, but if, the deed being done, he takes advantage of it, it is equivalent
to doing it, and proves that he would have done it himself, if he could, or if he dared."
641. Is it as reprehensible to desire to do an evil deed as to do it?
"That is as the case may be. Voluntarily to resist the desire to do wrong, especially when there
is a possibility of gratifying that desire, is virtuous; hut he, who has only not done the wrong
thing because the opportunity was wanting, is as guilty as though he had done it."
642. In order to be acceptable in the sight of God, and to insure our future happiness, is it
sufficient not to have done evil?
"No; it is necessary for each to have done good also, to the utmost limits of his ability; for
each of you will have to answer, not only for all the evil he has done, but also for all the good
which he has failed to do."
643. Are there persons who, through their position, have no possibility of doing good?
"There are none who cannot do some good; the selfish alone find no opportunity of so doing.
The mere fact of being in relation with other human beings suffices to furnish the opportunity
of doing good, and every day of your lives provides this possibility for every one who is not
blinded by selfishness. For doing good is not restricted to the giving of alms, but also
comprehends being useful to the full extent of your power, whenever your assistance may be
needed."