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About this quote

What does it mean?
Human nature is not the problem; harmful social conventions are.
In plain terms
We are not born bad; society makes us that way.
What can you take from it?
Fix conventions not human nature.

Where it applies

  • social criticism
  • ethics discussions
  • reform debates

Putting it to work

  • question social norms
  • focus on systemic change

Questions to consider

  • Are humans born good or bad?
  • What norms should change?

Another view

Some flaws may be innate.

More from Denis Diderot

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  3. The pit of a theatre is the one place where the tears of virtuous and wicked men alike are mingled.

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