Skip to content

Abortion Quote by Immanuel Kant

“The principle of private happiness, however, is the most objectionable, not merely because it is false, and experience contradicts the supposition that prosperity is always proportioned to good conduct, nor yet merely because it contributes nothing to the establishment of morality - since it is…” quote by Immanuel Kant
Download Open image
““The principle of private happiness, however, is the most objectionable, not merely because it is false, and experience contradicts the supposition that prosperity is always proportioned to good conduct, nor yet merely because it contributes nothing to the establishment of morality - since it is quite a different thing to make a prosperous man and a good man, or to make one prudent and sharp-sighted for his own interests, and to make him virtuous - but because the springs it provides for morality are such as rather undermine it and destroy its sublimity, since they put the motives to virtue and to vice in the same class, and only teach us to make a better calculation, the specific difference between virtue and vice being entirely extinguished. On the other hand, as to moral being, this supposed special sense, the appeal to it is indeed superficial when those who cannot think believe that feeling will help them out, even in what concerns general laws; and besides, feelings which naturally differ infinitely in degree cannot furnish a uniform standard of good and evil, nor has anyone a right to form judgments for others by his own feelings...””

Immanuel Kant

About This Quote

Source Book: Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, 1785

Kant argues that private happiness is unreliable for moral guidance because it blends self‑interest with virtue, eroding the distinction between good and bad motives.

In simple terms: Private happiness mixes self‑interest with virtue, confusing moral judgment.

Key Takeaway

Seek moral standards beyond personal pleasure.

Themes

morality ethics motivation human nature

Mood

thoughtful critical inquisitive

Type

philosophical ethical reflective

When to use this quote

  • personal decision making
  • public policy
  • education
  • leadership
  • lawmaking

Key Concepts

Kantian ethics practical reason moral psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motivates your moral choices?
  • Can happiness be a reliable moral compass?
A Different Perspective

Relying on personal happiness can lead to moral relativism and self‑justification.

3.1 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Immanuel Kant

Explore all 476 Immanuel Kant quotes

More Abortion quotes

Browse all 1,629 Abortion quotes