Our conceptions of morality, as all our other ideas, pass…
“Our conceptions of morality, as all our other ideas, pass through a course of development; the difficulty comes in adjusting our conduct, which has become hardened into customs and habits, to these changing moral conceptions. When this adjustment is not made, we suffer from the strain and indecision of believing one hypothesis and acting upon another.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Moral ideas evolve, but habits stay fixed, causing tension when actions don’t match new ethics.
In simple terms: Changing morals clash with old habits.
Key Takeaway
Align actions with updated values.
Themes
morality
habit
change
conflict
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- policy reform
- community leadership
Key Concepts
ethical development
habit formation
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ease the transition from old customs to new ethics?
- What personal strategies help reconcile belief and behavior?
A Different Perspective
Adjusting deep‑rooted habits is slow and resisted.