I have always been of the mind that in a democracy manners are the only effective weapons against the bowie-knife.
James Russell LowellRead
In vain we call old notions fudge, And bend our conscience to our dealing; The Ten Commandments will not budge, And stealing will continue stealing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that dismissing traditional moral standards does not change their inherent validity, and wrongdoing persists regardless of our rationalizations.
James Russell Lowell's quote critiques the tendency of individuals to rationalize or disregard established moral principles, such as the Ten Commandments, in favor of convenience or self-interest. He emphasizes that simply labeling these moral standards as outdated does not alter their importance or the consequences of violating them, particularly in the context of theft. The quote serves as a reminder of the inherent truth of ethical guidelines that persist regardless of societal changes or personal justification.
Themes
MoralityConscienceTheftEthicsTraditional Values
In practice
Example use cases
A philosophical discussion on morality at a university seminar.
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