The first crime was mine: I committed it when I made man…
““The first crime was mine: I committed it when I made man mortal. Once I had done that, what was left for you, poor human murderers, to do? To kill your victims? But they already had the seed of death in them; all you could do was to hasten its fruition by a year or two.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Sartre suggests that creating mortality for humanity is a grave act, and that humans already carry death within, so further harm merely accelerates an inevitable end.
In simple terms: Creating mortality is a profound wrongdoing; death is already inherent.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the weight of causing harm and its ethical implications.
Themes
ethics
mortality
humanity
responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- war
- medical ethics
- environmental policy
- personal choices
Key Concepts
philosophical
existential
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities arise from creating mortality?
- Can we alter the course of inherent?
A Different Perspective
The view assumes death is inevitable and may overlook possibilities for change.