Character Quote by John Stuart Mill
“There is a very real evil consequent on ascribing supernatural origin to the received maxilms of morality. That origin consecrates the whole of them and protects them from being discussed or criticized.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “On Liberty”, 1859
Attributing moral rules to supernatural sources shields them from critique, preventing moral progress.
In simple terms: Supernatural moral claims block criticism.
Key Takeaway
Question moral origins.
Themes
critical thinking
secularism
ethics
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- educational curricula
- religious dialogue
- political debate
Key Concepts
philosophical analysis
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- What moral principles could be re‑examined today?
- How do you balance tradition with rational critique?
A Different Perspective
Some may view secular critique as disrespectful.
![“[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)
