Balaam Quote by Joseph Butler
“In all common ordinary cases, we see intuitively at first view what is out duty, what is the honest part. This is the ground of the observation, that the first thought is often the best. In these cases, doubt and deliberation is itself dishonesty; as it was in Balaam upon the second message.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Sermons on Human Nature, Joseph Butler, 1748
The initial intuitive judgment often aligns with moral duty; overthinking can betray honesty, as illustrated by Balaam’s story.
In simple terms: First instinct usually reflects duty; doubt may signal dishonesty.
Key Takeaway
Trust your first moral intuition.
Themes
morality
intuition
honesty
deliberation
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- making quick ethical decisions
- leadership choices
- personal integrity moments
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
ethical reasoning
moral psychology
biblical reference
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you question your first instinct?
- How does doubt serve moral growth?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on intuition can ignore complex facts.
![“[On refusing to be silenced:] I do not pretend to be John the Baptist rebuking the Pharisees. I do not claim to be Nathan upbraiding David. I aspire only to be Balaam's ass, castigating his master.” quote by Katharina Zell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6fb/katharina-zell-82641_aspire_on-refusing-to-be-silenced-i-do-not-pret_2565489.jpg)
