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...[R]eason of itself, independent on all experience…

“...[R]eason of itself, independent on all experience, ordains what ought to take place, that accordingly actions of which perhaps the world has hitherto never given an example, the feasibility even if which might be very much doubted by one who founds everything on experience, are nevertheless…” quote by Immanuel Kant
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““...[R]eason of itself, independent on all experience, ordains what ought to take place, that accordingly actions of which perhaps the world has hitherto never given an example, the feasibility even if which might be very much doubted by one who founds everything on experience, are nevertheless inflexibly commanded by reason; that, for example, even though there might never yet have been a sincere friend, yet not a whit the less is pure sincerity in friendship required of every man...””

Immanuel Kant

About This Quote

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

Reason can command actions beyond experience, demanding pure sincerity even without prior examples.

In simple terms: Reason demands sincere actions even without experience.

Key Takeaway

Trust reason over habit.

Themes

reason ethics philosophy

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • moral decisions
  • personal integrity
  • friendship
  • leadership

Key Concepts

Kantian ethics autonomy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance reason and experience?
  • When is pure sincerity realistic?
A Different Perspective

Reason may conflict with practical experience.

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