Animal Quote by John Selden
“He that has not religion to govern his morality, is not a dram better than my mastiff-dog; so long as you stroke him, and please him, and do not pinch him, he will play with you as finely as may be, he is a very good moral mastiff; but if you hurt him, he will fly in your face, and tear out your throat.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Moral Governance, 1620s
Without religious guidance, moral behavior is likened to an unruly dog that must be carefully managed to avoid harm.
In simple terms: Morality needs guidance.
Key Takeaway
Seek ethical frameworks beyond religion.
Themes
ethics
religion
behavior
control
responsibility
Mood
inquisitive
serious
contemplative
Type
philosophical
ethical
historical
When to use this quote
- personal decision‑making
- legal systems
- community standards
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
secular ethics
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal principles guide your actions?
- Can morality exist without religious doctrine?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on external control may neglect internal moral development.
![“He [Babur] was a ype of mastiff, bred to fight against wolves, dogs, and humans. . . . The mastiff is perhaps the oldest breed of dog in the world. . . . The dogs of Ghor . . . were always regarded as particularly special mastiffs. . . . 'so powerful that in frame and strength every one of them is…” quote by Rory Stewart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/daa/rory-stewart-11028_dogs-and-humans_he-babur-was-a-ype-of-mastiff-bred-to-fi_148394.jpg)
