Ethics Quote by Dan Simmons
““... primitive times had required primitive obedience, that later generations evolved to the point where parents offered themselves as sacrifice - as in the dark knights of the ovens which pocked old earth history - and that current generations had to deny any command for sacrifice. Sol had written that whatever God now took in human consciousness - whether as a mere manifestation of the subconscious in all its revanchist needs or as a more conscious attempt at philosophical and ethical evolution - humankind could no longer agree to offer up sacrifice in God's name. Sacrifice and the agreement to sacrifice had written human history in blood.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Hyperion Cantos, Dan Simmons, 1989
He reflects on humanity’s shift from primitive obedience to questioning sacrifice, suggesting a move away from blind faith.
In simple terms: Humanity moves from blind obedience to questioning sacrifice.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and seek ethical evolution.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
history
religion
human nature
Mood
contemplative
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- moral debates
- religious rituals
- political movements
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
sacrifice
obedience
consciousness
evolution
Questions to Reflect On
- What does sacrifice mean today?
- How can societies evolve ethically?
A Different Perspective
May idealize rationalism over emotional/spiritual needs.
