Absurdity Quote by Frances Wright
“An opinion, right or wrong, can never constitute a moral offense, nor be in itself a moral obligation. It may be mistaken; it may involve an absurdity, or a contradiction. It is a truth; or it is an error: it can never be a crime or a virtue.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moral Philosophy, 1840s
Ideas can be right or wrong without being morally criminal or virtuous; truth and error are separate from moral judgment.
In simple terms: Opinions aren't crimes or virtues.
Key Takeaway
Judge ideas by truth, not morality.
Themes
ethics
philosophy
truth
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- debates
- academic writing
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
moral relativism
truth vs belief
Questions to Reflect On
- Is truth always moral?
- Can a false belief be harmful?
A Different Perspective
An opinion may still cause harm despite being non‑criminal.
