Atlas-shrugged Quote by Ayn Rand
““A sin without volition is a slap at morality and an insolent contradiction in terms: that which is outside the possibility of choice is outside the province of morality.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, 1957
Morality applies only to actions chosen freely; without choice, moral judgment is meaningless.
In simple terms: Morality requires free choice.
Recognize the role of volition in ethics.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal judgments
- personal decisions
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it possible to hold someone morally accountable without free will?
- How do societies enforce norms on involuntary actions?
Morality can be debated even when choice is limited.