Quotes With Meaning
In this situation, what we call natural ethics has nothing to offer but the narcissistic satisfaction of being able to think one is better than others. This is where ethics based on religion enters the scene with its promises of a better life hereafter. I am inclined to think that, for as long as virtue goes unrewarded here below, ethics will preach in vain.
In this situation, what we call natural ethics has nothing to offer but the narcissistic satisfaction of being able to think one is better than others. This is where ethics based on religion enters the scene with its promises of a better life hereafter. I am inclined to think that, for as long as virtue goes unrewarded here below, ethics will preach in vain.
This quote discusses the limitations of natural ethics, suggesting that it primarily offers individuals a sense of superiority over others without any real moral reward. Freud points out that while people may feel morally superior, this does not lead to genuine ethical growth or societal improvement. In contrast, religious ethics promise rewards in an afterlife, which can motivate individuals to act virtuously in the present. Freud argues that as long as virtuous actions go unrewarded in this life, moral teachings will lack real impact. Therefore, he implies that a belief in a better life after death may be necessary to inspire true ethical behavior. This highlights a fundamental tension between immediate moral actions and the desire for acknowledgment or reward. Ultimately, the quote invites reflection on how and why we pursue virtue in our lives.