“The best stories don't come from "good versus bad" but "bad versus worse.”
— Leo Tolstoy
Simplified Meaning:
Great stories often focus on difficult situations where people face tough choices, not just simple battles between good and evil. Imagine a historical example like World War II. There were no easy decisions—countries had to choose between fighting against a massive threat or facing even worse consequences if they didn’t act. In your everyday life, this idea means that compelling stories or situations arise when someone has to choose the lesser of two difficult options. For instance, think about a doctor who has only one dose of a life-saving medicine but two critically ill patients. The doctor’s choice isn't about good or evil but about making the best decision in a bad situation, which makes the story more interesting and real. Overall, this concept shows that when people deal with complex, challenging decisions, it creates deeper and more engaging stories. Applying this to life, we can understand that tough situations often make for the most meaningful experiences and learning opportunities.