Shall I not render a service to men in speaking to them…
““Shall I not render a service to men in speaking to them only of morality? This morality is so pure, so holy, so universal, so clear, so ancient, that it seems to come from God himself, like the light which we regard as the first of his works. Has he not given men self-love to secure their preservation; benevolence, beneficence, and virtue to control their self-love; the natural need to form a society; pleasure to enjoy, pain to warn us to enjoy in moderation, passions to spur us to great deeds, and wisdom to curb our passions? ””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human nature is guided by innate virtues and passions, balanced by reason and divine order.
In simple terms: People have love, virtue, and passions shaped by God.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtue, temper passions.
Themes
virtue
passion
reason
society
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
didactic
When to use this quote
- personal development
- social contracts
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
theology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do passions influence moral choices?
- Can virtue exist without self‑love?
A Different Perspective
Reason alone cannot resolve all moral conflicts.