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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hardy distinguishes between good that is religious and good that is not.
In plain terms
Good can be religious or secular.
What can you take from it?
Recognize moral value regardless of religious context.

Where it applies

  • ethical debates
  • personal reflection

Putting it to work

  • evaluate actions by outcomes
  • avoid conflating virtue with faith

Questions to consider

  • What makes good good without religion?
  • How does religious goodness differ?

Another view

The phrase is vague and offers limited insight.

More from Thomas Hardy

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  3. With all, the beautiful things of the earth become more dear as they elude pursuit; but with some natures utter elusion is the one special event which will mak…

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