Ethics Quote by Felix Adler
“The conception of worth, that each person is an end per se, is not a mere abstraction. Our interest in it is not merely academic. Every outcry against the oppression of some people by other people, or against what is morally hideous is the affirmation of the principle that a human being as such is not to be violated. A human being is not to be handled as a tool but is to be respected and revered.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Ethics of Human Dignity, 1905
Each person has intrinsic worth; treating people as means violates moral law.
In simple terms: People deserve respect, not exploitation.
Key Takeaway
Respect every individual as an end.
Themes
human rights
ethics
respect
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- workplace policies
- education
- legal frameworks
- interpersonal relationships
Key Concepts
intrinsic value
deontological ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure policies honor human dignity?
- What actions treat people as means?
A Different Perspective
Respect can be challenged by systemic power imbalances.
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