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About this quote

What does it mean?
This asks if anyone can truly understand the ideal rules of right and wrong.
In plain terms
Can anyone really know the perfect rules of right?
What can you take from it?
True moral perfection is hard to know.

Where it applies

  • moral philosophy
  • ethical debate
  • self-reflection

Putting it to work

  • question absolute truths
  • seek ethical clarity

Questions to consider

  • Can moral rules be absolute?
  • Who defines right and wrong?

Another view

Some philosophical systems claim to know these rules.

More from Henry Fielding

  1. Thwackum was for doing justice, and leaving mercy to heaven.

    Permalink to quote #30
  2. In reality, the world have payed too great a compliment to critics, and have imagined them men of much greater profundity than they really are.

    Permalink to quote #32
  3. Every physician almost hath his favorite disease.

    Permalink to quote #29

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