Ethics is in origin the art of recommending to others the sacrifices required for co-operation with oneself.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ethics is essentially advising others on the sacrifices needed to cooperate with oneself.
- In plain terms
- Ethics guides people to accept costs for mutual benefit.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize that moral rules often serve personal and collective interests.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does self‑interest shape moral norms?
- When should we sacrifice personal gain for others?
Another view
Not all ethical systems reduce to self‑cooperation; some demand altruism beyond personal gain.
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