Abstraction Quote by Kurt Vonnegut
“Humanists try to behave decently and honorably without any expectation of rewards or punishments in an afterlife. The creator of the universe has been unknown to us so far. We serve as well as we can to the highest abstraction of which we have some understanding, which is our community.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Humanism and the Unknown, 1970s
Humans should act ethically for its own sake, guided by community rather than afterlife rewards.
In simple terms: Act ethically for community, not reward.
Key Takeaway
Live responsibly within your community.
Themes
ethics
humanism
community
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- public service
- daily interactions
- policy making
Key Concepts
secular morality
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates your ethical choices?
- How does community shape your values?
A Different Perspective
May overlook personal needs for communal expectations.
![“Thomas Jefferson High School [..] His high school was named after a slave owner who was also one of the world’s greatest theoreticians on the subject of human liberty.” quote by Kurt Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/73a/kurt-vonnegut-41_freedom_thomas-jefferson-high-school-his-high-sc_9727.jpg)
