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About this quote

What does it mean?
Kant distinguishes between pursuing happiness and pursuing worthiness to be happy.
In plain terms
Morality is about deserving happiness, not just getting it.
What can you take from it?
Be worthy of happiness rather than chasing it directly.

Where it applies

  • moral decision making
  • personal reflection
  • ethical living

Putting it to work

  • focus on duty
  • act ethically
  • evaluate motives

Questions to consider

  • Are you pursuing happiness or worthiness?
  • What makes you worthy of happiness?

Another view

People often confuse moral duty with personal satisfaction.

More from Immanuel Kant

  1. Metaphysics is a dark ocean without shores or lighthouse, strewn with many a philosophic wreck.

    Permalink to quote #59
  2. Nothing is divine but what is agreeable to reason.

    Permalink to quote #61
  3. Man must be disciplined, for he is by nature raw and wild.

    Permalink to quote #58

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