Whoever considers morality the main objective of human…
“Whoever considers morality the main objective of human existence, seems to me like a person who defines the purpose of a clock asnot going wrong. The first objective for a clock, is, however, that it does run; not going wrong is an additional regulative function. If not a watch's greatest accomplishment were not going wrong, unwound watches might be the best.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Morality is a secondary function of humanity; the primary purpose is to simply exist and operate, like a clock’s main task is to run.
In simple terms: Existence precedes morality
Key Takeaway
Purpose is functional, not ethical
Themes
philosophy
purpose
morality
existentialism
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
argumentative
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- ethical theory courses
Key Concepts
functionality
ethical hierarchy
Practical Applications
- philosophical essays
- lecture series
Questions to Reflect On
- Is a purely functional purpose sufficient?
- Can morality be separated from existence?
A Different Perspective
Some argue morality is integral to human meaning, not an optional add‑on.