A thing is good because it is good, not because it is…
“A thing is good because it is good, not because it is natural. A thing is bad because it is bad, not because its artificial. It is not a damn iota better to be bitten by a rattlesnake than shot by a gun.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Moral value is intrinsic, not dependent on natural or artificial origins; both natural and artificial things can be good or bad.
In simple terms: Goodness is inherent, not based on nature.
Key Takeaway
Judge actions by outcomes, not origins.
Themes
ethics
nature vs. artifice
intrinsic value
moral philosophy
Mood
critical
inquisitive
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- policy making
- product design
- environmental decisions
- personal choices
Key Concepts
Moral relativism
ethical evaluation
philosophical inquiry
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria should guide ethical judgments?
- Can we separate intent from result?
A Different Perspective
Oversimplifying may ignore context and consequences.