'We shudder at the brutalization of life, but lacking any objectively binding morality we are forced at every step into actions and words, into calculations that are by humane standards barbaric, and even by the dubious values of good society, tactless.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- We are shocked by life's brutality, yet without shared morality we act in ways that seem barbaric by humane standards and tactless by society's dubious values.
- In plain terms
- Lack of common morals leads to harsh, tactless actions.
- What can you take from it?
- Shared moral frameworks are needed to avoid barbaric behavior.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can societies create binding moral standards?
- What makes an action barbaric?
Another view
It assumes a single objective morality which may not exist.
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