The moral faculties are generally and justly esteemed as of higher value than the intellectual powers. But we should bear in mind that the activity of the mind in vividly recalling past impressions is one of the fundamental though secondary bases of conscience. This affords the strongest argument for educating and stimulating in all possible ways the intellectual faculties of every human being.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Darwin suggests that recalling past impressions is a basis of conscience, so stimulating intellectual faculties strengthens moral capacity.
- In plain terms
- Using your mind to remember past events helps build conscience, so education improves morality.
- What can you take from it?
- Developing the intellect supports the development of conscience and moral judgment.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does intelligence guarantee goodness?
- How does memory shape ethics?
Another view
Conscience may rely on intuition or emotion more than intellectual recall.
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