Character Quote by Anonymous
“Strictly speaking, there are no such things as good and bad impulses. Think...of a piano. It has not got two kinds of notes on it, the 'right' notes and the 'wrong' ones. Every single note is right at one time and wrong at another. The Moral Law is not any one instinct or set of instincts: it is something which makes a kind of tune (the tune we call goodness or right conduct) by directing the instincts.”
About This Quote
The quote argues that impulses aren't inherently good or bad; context determines their moral value, likening them to piano notes that can be right or wrong depending on when they’re played.
In simple terms: Impulses are neutral; morality depends on context.
Key Takeaway
Consider context before judging actions.
Themes
morality
relativism
psychology
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- ethical dilemmas
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
instincts
Moral Law
contextual ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does context change the moral assessment of an impulse?
- Can any impulse be universally judged?
A Different Perspective
Moral judgments can be subjective and culturally variable.
![“In ethics [Aristotle] had two bright ideas. First, that extreme behavior of selfishness and self-sacrifice don't work for most people; look for the golden mean. Second, good behavior is not a result of either sudden inspiration or harsh control. It is a habitual pattern, which means slow and…” quote by Norman F. Cantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/caa/norman-f-cantor-15048_bright-ideas_in-ethics-aristotle-had-two-bright-ideas_2390496.jpg)
