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About this quote

What does it mean?
Morality is built on immoral foundations and repeats the same patterns; slave morality remains harmful, yet it still mirrors master morality.
In plain terms
Our moral systems repeat old power dynamics.
What can you take from it?
Question the origins of your values.

Where it applies

  • ethical debates
  • cultural criticism

Putting it to work

  • study moral history
  • challenge inherited norms

Questions to consider

  • What moral assumptions do you inherit?
  • How can you break repeating patterns?

Another view

The claim may oversimplify complex moral developments.

More from Theodor Adorno

  1. 'Advice to intellectuals: let no-one represent you.'

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  2. 'All satire is blind to the forces liberated by decay. Which is why total decay has absorbed the forces of satire.'

    Permalink to quote #10
  3. 'A pencil and rubber are of more use to thought than a battalion of assistants. To happiness the same applies as to truth: one does not have it, but is in it.'

    Permalink to quote #7

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