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Character Quote by Anne Rice

“Our way–the Western Way–has always been a "work in progress." Questions of life and death, good and evil, justice and tragedy–these are never definitively settled, but must be addressed again and again as personal and public worlds shift and change. We hold our morals to be absolutes, but the…” quote by Anne Rice
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““Our way–the Western Way–has always been a "work in progress." Questions of life and death, good and evil, justice and tragedy–these are never definitively settled, but must be addressed again and again as personal and public worlds shift and change. We hold our morals to be absolutes, but the context of our actions and decisions is forever changing. We are not relativists because we seek to re-evaluate again and again our most crucial moral positions.””

Anne Rice

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview, Anne Rice, 1995

Moral beliefs are seen as absolute yet must be constantly re‑examined as societies evolve, balancing steadfast values with changing contexts.

In simple terms: Morals seem fixed but need ongoing review as the world changes.

Key Takeaway

Regularly reassess core values in light of new circumstances.

Themes

ethics philosophy change reflection

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • personal decision‑making
  • public policy debates
  • legal reforms
  • cultural shifts

Key Concepts

Moral absolutism relativism contextual ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance firm principles with evolving contexts?
  • When should moral positions be revised?
A Different Perspective

Constant re‑evaluation can lead to uncertainty and paralysis in action.

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