“The best stories don't come from "good versus bad" but "bad versus worse.”
— Leo Tolstoy
Simplified Meaning:
Great stories often come from conflicts where characters are faced with tough, often grim situations. Imagine a person who has to choose between two difficult options, like in real life when someone has to decide whether to take a job they hate to support their family or continue living without enough money. This kind of story shows how people deal with complicated choices, not just simple battles between a hero and a villain. For example, in history, during wartime, leaders sometimes had to pick between sacrificing a few to save many or risking everyone's life for a noble cause. These challenging situations make it more interesting and engaging because they reveal true human emotions and tough decisions. People relate better to these stories because real life is rarely just about clear-cut good or bad choices.