Character Quote by Emile Durkheim
“Man is a moral being, only because he lives in society. Let all social life disappear and morality will disappear with it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Division of Labor in Society, 1893
Morality exists only within the context of social relationships; without society, moral norms vanish.
In simple terms: Morality depends on society.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the social roots of ethics.
Themes
society
morality
social structure
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
sociological
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community building
- education
- law enforcement
Key Concepts
Durkheimian sociology
collective conscience
Questions to Reflect On
- How would morality look in a completely isolated individual?
- Can personal ethics exist without societal influence?
A Different Perspective
Morality can also arise from personal conscience, not just social pressure.
