Abandon Quote by George Saunders
“It's a time when a lot of principle virtues are being tested. Do we still believe in the truth? Do we still believe in empathy? Do we still believe the protection of the weakest among us? These are yes or no questions, but the means of communication is all tied up with those virtues and you can't abandon those virtues as you pursue them.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, “The Truth of Virtues”, 2023
The quote questions how contemporary society tests core moral values like truth, empathy, and protecting the vulnerable, especially through modern communication.
In simple terms: Society challenges basic virtues via communication.
Key Takeaway
Reaffirm and protect core virtues despite media complexity.
Themes
ethics
media
social responsibility
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- social media platforms
- community activism
- journalism
- public policy
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
digital communication
civic duty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure communication upholds empathy and truth?
- What safeguards protect the weakest in digital spaces?
A Different Perspective
Virtues can be compromised by the very tools meant to uphold them.
