If you punish a child for being naughty, and reward him…
“If you punish a child for being naughty, and reward him for being good, he will do right merely for the sake of the reward; and when he goes out into the world and finds that goodness is not always rewarded, nor wickedness always punished, he will grow into a man who only thinks about how he may get on in the world, and does right or wrong according as he finds advantage to himself.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Reward‑based morality leads to self‑interest, undermining genuine virtue.
In simple terms: Rewards corrupt moral motives.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate duty for its own sake.
Themes
ethics
motivation
human nature
Mood
serious
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- leadership
Key Concepts
deontology
virtue ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Can one act morally without expecting reward?
- What role does conscience play in ethical decisions?
A Different Perspective
Pure moral action is rare when external rewards dominate.