Action Quote by Baron d'Holbach
“If experience be consulted, it will be found there is no action, however abominable, that has not received the applause of some people. Parricide - the sacrifice of children - robbery - usurpation - cruelty - intolerance - prostitution, have all in their turn been licensed actions, and have been deemed laudable and meritorious deeds with some nations of the earth. Above all, Religion has consecrated the most unreasonable, the most revolting customs.”
About This Quote
Source Book: System of Nature, 1770
Human actions, even the most horrific, are often socially sanctioned, showing morality is culturally constructed.
In simple terms: Society can deem terrible acts acceptable.
Key Takeaway
Question accepted norms critically.
Themes
ethics
society
relativism
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal reforms
- educational curricula
- media analysis
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social constructs
cultural conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions do you accept without question?
- How do you identify truly unjust norms?
A Different Perspective
Some universal moral intuitions persist despite cultural differences.
