Eternity Quote by John Rawls
““The perspective of eternity is not a perspective from a certain place beyond the world, nor the point of view of a transcendent being; rather it is a certain form of thought and feeling that rational persons can adopt within the world. And having done so, they can, whatever their generation, bring together into one scheme all individual perspectives and arrive together at regulative principles that can be affirmed by everyone as he lives by them, each from his own standpoint. Purity of heart, if one could attain it, would be to see clearly and to act with grace and self-command from this point of view.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A Theory of Justice, 1971
Proposes that rational individuals can adopt an “eternal perspective” within the world, forming shared principles based on collective viewpoints and moral purity.
In simple terms: Adopt a universal viewpoint to create shared moral rules.
Key Takeaway
Seek common, principles.
Themes
ethics
political philosophy
human nature
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theoretical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political theory
- education
- community building
Key Concepts
social contract
moral psychology
rationality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies reconcile universal principles with diverse cultures?
- What limits exist in adopting a purely rational viewpoint?
A Different Perspective
Applying a universal perspective may overlook cultural differences.
