As the grand discordant harmony of the celestial bodies…
“As the grand discordant harmony of the celestial bodies may be explained by the simple principles of gravity and impulse, so also in that more wonderful and complicated microcosm, the heart of man, all the phenomena of morals are perhaps resolvable into one single principle, the pursuit of apparent good; for although customs universally vary, yet man in all climates and countries is essentially the same.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human morals across cultures may reduce to a single principle: the pursuit of apparent good, despite varied customs.
In simple terms: Morals may share a core principle.
Key Takeaway
Recognize common moral drive.
Themes
ethics
universality
human nature
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- cross‑cultural ethics
- global policy
- education curricula
Key Concepts
moral relativism
philosophical anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- What is the “apparent good”?
- Do all societies share this pursuit?
A Different Perspective
Cultural nuances complicate universal claims.