The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to the other creatures; but the fact that he can do wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creature that cannot.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Humanity's ability to distinguish right from wrong shows intellectual advantage, but the capacity to choose evil reveals moral weakness compared to innocent beings.
- In plain terms
- We are smarter than animals, but our ability to do bad things makes us morally worse than those that cannot choose.
- What can you take from it?
- Intellect does not guarantee morality.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does knowing right from wrong make us better?
- Can ignorance be morally superior?
Another view
The quote assumes animals lack moral agency, which is debated.
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