Correct morality can only be derived from what man is - not from what do-gooders and well-meaning aunt Nellies would like him to be.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Morality should be based on human nature rather than the idealized wishes of well-meaning people.
- In plain terms
- Good rules come from understanding real people, not from what nice people want people to be.
- What can you take from it?
- Base morality on human reality, not ideals.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is human nature?
- Can we change it?
Another view
Idealism can still guide moral progress.
More from Robert A. Heinlein
Morals - all correct moral laws - derive from the instinct to survive. Moral behavior is survival behavior above the individual level.
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