If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- If moral behavior relies only on fear of punishment or hope of reward, humanity lacks genuine goodness.
- In plain terms
- People who are good only to avoid punishment are not truly good.
- What can you take from it?
- Strive for intrinsic morality beyond external rewards.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do you do good?
- Is fear a valid motivator?
Another view
Fear and reward are sometimes necessary for order.
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