But to unite in a permanent religious institution which is…
““But to unite in a permanent religious institution which is not to be subject to doubt before the public even in the lifetime of one man, and thereby to make a period of time fruitless in the progress of mankind toward improvement, thus working to the disadvantage of posterity - that is absolutely forbidden. For himself (and only for a short time) a man may postpone enlightenment in what he ought to know, but to renounce it for posterity is to injure and trample on the rights of mankind .””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Kant argues that delaying enlightenment for personal gain harms future generations; true progress requires open inquiry.
In simple terms: Delaying truth harms future generations.
Key Takeaway
Promote open inquiry now.
Themes
enlightenment
progress
future generations
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- scientific research
- policy making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
ethical responsibility
public reason
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance individual liberty with collective progress?
- What mechanisms ensure public reason?
A Different Perspective
Balancing individual freedom with collective good is complex.