Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
A conscience needs a higher authority to judge it, otherwise it lacks structure.
In plain terms
Morality needs a divine judge to work properly.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the role of authority in morality.

Where it applies

  • moral dilemmas
  • religious education
  • ethical debates

Putting it to work

  • examine your moral code
  • discuss ethics
  • study religious texts

Questions to consider

  • Does morality need God?
  • Can conscience exist independently?

Another view

Many secular philosophies establish conscience without a divine judge.

More from Alphonse de Lamartine

  1. Sometimes, only one person is missing, and the whole world seems depopulated.

    Permalink to quote #10
  2. Grief knits two hearts in closer bonds than happiness ever can; and common sufferings are far stronger links than common joys.

    Permalink to quote #12
  3. The more I see of the representatives of the people, the more I admire my dogs.

    Permalink to quote #9

Related quotes

  1. I am not addressing my own people, nor my fellow citizens of the holy Romans, but those who are now become citizens of demons by reason of their evil works. Th…

    Saint PatrickSaint Patrick quote #3
  2. As long as one knows that there is a judgement day, he tries to keep his conscience clear and to serve and do what he can. People's trust is very dear, and one…

    Hussein of JordanHussein of Jordan quote #3
  3. No matter what the motive, love of ease, or a desire to save from suffering the unborn innocent, the woman is awfully guilty who commits the deed. It will burd…

    Susan B. AnthonySusan B. Anthony quote #7