A conscience that is forbidden to operate in the choice of…
![“A conscience that is forbidden to operate in the choice of goals for economic activity is not conscience in the sense in which any moralist, pagan or Christian, has every understood the term. And the family (which [Michael] Novak regards as vital to the spirit of democratic capitalism) is…” quote by Lesslie Newbigin](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/273/lesslie-newbigin-11290_broken-families_a-conscience-that-is-forbidden-to-operat_1037692.jpg)
““A conscience that is forbidden to operate in the choice of goals for economic activity is not conscience in the sense in which any moralist, pagan or Christian, has every understood the term. And the family (which [Michael] Novak regards as vital to the spirit of democratic capitalism) is precisely the place where the noncapitalist values have to be learned, where one is not free to choose his company and where one is not free to pursue self-interest to the limit. Because capitalism pursues the opposite goals - freedom of each individual to choose and pursue his own ends to the limit of his power - the disintegration of marriage and family life is one of the obvious characteristics of advanced capitalist societies.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Capitalism’s focus on individual freedom can erode family values, making conscience irrelevant to economic goals.
In simple terms: Economic freedom can weaken family bonds.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and protect family values within capitalism.
Themes
family
economics
morality
capitalism
individualism
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- family counseling
- community building
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
social contract
ethical autonomy
democratic capitalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance individual freedom with family cohesion?
- What policies can preserve moral conscience in markets?
A Different Perspective
Capitalism also offers mechanisms for supporting families if policies align.