--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I am not sure whether ethical absolutes…" description: "\"I am not sure whether ethical absolutes exist. But I am sure that we have to act as if they existed or civilization perishes.\" — Arthur Koestler" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ed/arthur-koestler-1903_absolutes_i-am-not-sure-whether-ethical-absolutes_2507561.jpg" --- # I am not sure whether ethical absolutes exist. But I am… ![“I am not sure whether ethical absolutes exist. But I am sure that we have to act as if they existed or civilization perishes.” quote by Arthur Koestler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ed/arthur-koestler-1903_absolutes_i-am-not-sure-whether-ethical-absolutes_2507561.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ed/arthur-koestler-1903_absolutes_i-am-not-sure-whether-ethical-absolutes_2507561.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ed/arthur-koestler-1903_absolutes_i-am-not-sure-whether-ethical-absolutes_2507561.jpg) > “I am not sure whether ethical absolutes exist. But I am sure that we have to act as if they existed or civilization perishes.” [Arthur Koestler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-koestler/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He doubts absolute ethics exist but argues societies must act as if they do, or risk collapse, emphasizing pragmatic morality. **In simple terms:** Act as if moral absolutes exist for societal stability. Key Takeaway Adopt practical ethical frameworks. Themes ethics society pragmatism Mood philosophical thoughtful Type ethical pragmatic When to use this quote - policy making - community building - education Key Concepts moral philosophy social contract Questions to Reflect On - What practical ethics guide your decisions? - Can societies thrive without shared moral foundations? A Different Perspective Assuming absolutes may ignore cultural nuance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Absolutes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/absolutes/) [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Civilization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilization/) [Ethics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ethics/) ## Related quotes > [The more facts I can have, the better. 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