Character Quote by John Stuart Mill
“Is there any moral enormity which might not be justified by imitation of such a Deity?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Liberty, 1859
He questions whether any moral act can be justified solely by imitation of a divine being, probing the limits of moral authority.
In simple terms: Can morality be justified only by copying a deity?
Key Takeaway
Question moral foundations.
Themes
ethics
philosophy
authority
Mood
inquisitive
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- theological debates
- ethical education
- personal moral decisions
Key Concepts
moral reasoning
religious influence
autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is imitation necessary for moral behavior?
- What other sources guide morality?
A Different Perspective
Moral justification may also arise from reason and empathy, not just imitation.
![“[For people] to refuse a hearing to an opinion, because they are sure that it is false, is to assume that their certainty is the same thing as absolute certainty. All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c53/john-stuart-mill-477_doubt_for-people-to-refuse-a-hearing-to-an-opi_63929.jpg)
