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About this quote

What does it mean?
Moral behavior stems more from innate social instincts than from rational thought alone.
In plain terms
We act morally because of our social nature, not just logic.
What can you take from it?
Trust social instincts when making ethical choices.

Where it applies

  • ethical decision making
  • education
  • psychology

Putting it to work

  • nurture social bonds
  • reflect on instincts

Questions to consider

  • What drives your moral choices?
  • Is logic enough for virtue?

Another view

Reason still plays a critical role in complex ethics.

More from Reinhold Niebuhr

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