The New England conscience doesn't keep you from doing what you shouldn't - it just keeps you from enjoying it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A strict moral code may prevent actions but also suppress the enjoyment of them.
- In plain terms
- Morality stops you from doing bad things and enjoying them.
- What can you take from it?
- Conscience can make actions feel forbidden rather than wrong.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does guilt stop you?
- Is restraint always good?
Another view
Some ethical constraints are necessary for social order.
More from Isaac Bashevis Singer
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