To become a morally good human being it is not enough simply to let the germ of the good which lies in our species develop unhindered; there is an active and opposing cause of evil which is also to be combated. (6:57)

This comment shows one of the similarities between Kant's religious thought and Christianity. Kant believes that evil behavior does not simply result from a failure to do what is virtuous or morally sound. It results, rather, from an active, immoral predisposition in us. We have a "germ of … good," but we also have a germ of evil that we must work to combat. Kant says that good behavior will not develop naturally if we simply relax; it will only flourish if we counteract our tendency toward evil behavior.