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Without doubt the greatest injury of all was done by…

“Without doubt the greatest injury of all was done by basing morals on myth. For, sooner or later, myth is recognized for what it is, and disappears. Then morality loses the foundation on which it has been built.” quote by Herbert Samuel, 1st Viscount Samuel
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“Without doubt the greatest injury of all was done by basing morals on myth. For, sooner or later, myth is recognized for what it is, and disappears. Then morality loses the foundation on which it has been built.”

Herbert Samuel, 1st Viscount Samuel

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Basing morality on myths leads to fragile ethics; when myths fade, moral foundations collapse, urging a shift to rational, evidence‑based values.

In simple terms: Myths are shaky moral bases.

Key Takeaway

Build ethics on reason and evidence.

Themes

morality myth reason philosophy societal foundations

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • education curricula
  • public discourse
  • personal moral decisions
  • community building

Key Concepts

ethics epistemology secularism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What secular foundations can replace mythic morality?
  • How do societies transition from mythic to rational ethics?
A Different Perspective

Myths can still provide meaningful narratives for many people.

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