Conditions Quote by Immanuel Kant
“In the kingdom of ends everything has either a price or a dignity. Whatever has a price can be replaced by something else as its equivalent; on the other hand, whatever is above all price, and therefore admits of no equivalent, has a dignity. But that which constitutes the condition under which alone something can be an end in itself does not have mere relative worth, i.e., price, but an intrinsic worth, i.e., a dignity.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Critique of Practical Reason, 1788
Kant distinguishes between things that can be exchanged for something else (price) and those that possess inherent worth (dignity), which makes them ends in themselves.
In simple terms: Price vs dignity: exchangeable vs inherent worth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect intrinsic dignity.
Themes
ethics
philosophy
human value
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- policy making
- ethical decisions
Key Concepts
intrinsic worth
price
dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify intrinsic worth in daily life?
- Can price ever fully capture value?
A Different Perspective
Dignity can be abstract and hard to measure.
