Cowardly Quote by Bernard Williams
““That an action would be cowardly is not often found by an agent to be a consideration in its favor, but it could be, and in a counterethical way, ministering to a masochism of shame.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy, 1985
Discusses cowardice as a possible ethical consideration, linking it to shameful masochism.
In simple terms: Cowardice can be an ethical factor tied to shame.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden motives in moral judgments.
Themes
ethics
shame
masochism
moral psychology
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- moral decision‑making
- self‑assessment
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
ethical theory
psychology of shame
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does shame play in your choices?
- Can cowardice ever be morally justified?
A Different Perspective
Risk of over‑emphasizing shame as a motive.
![“[...] god's cowardly, it doesn't want to know or take responsibility for what it's doing.” quote by Steve Aylett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/038/steve-aylett-9631_cowardly_god-s-cowardly-it-doesn-t-want-to-know-o_118228.jpg)
