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About this quote

What does it mean?
He states that life inherently involves taking from others, necessitating moral justification.
In plain terms
Living requires taking resources, which raises ethical questions.
What can you take from it?
Acknowledge the cost of living.

Where it applies

  • ethical debate
  • environmental ethics
  • social justice

Putting it to work

  • audit resource use
  • justify actions
  • minimize harm

Questions to consider

  • Is survival inherently immoral?
  • How do we justify our needs?

Another view

It presents life as inherently predatory.

More from Alfred North Whitehead

  1. The art of progress is to preserve order amid change, and to preserve change amid order.

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  2. ... the kingdom of heaven is with us today.

    Permalink to quote #46
  3. Error is the price we pay for progress.

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