Appetite Quote by Laurence Sterne
“When, to gratify a private appetite, it is once resolved upon that an ignorant and helpless creature shall be sacrificed, it is an easy matter to pick up sticks enough from any thicket where it has strayed, to make a fire to offer it up with.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Tristram Shandy, 1759
To satisfy personal cravings, one may sacrifice an innocent, using minimal effort to create a justification.
In simple terms: Selfish desires lead to harming the innocent.
Key Takeaway
Consider the ethics of personal gratification.
Themes
selfishness
morality
exploitation
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
reflective
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- personal relationships
- political manipulation
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
human nature
justification
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the hidden costs of selfish actions?
- How can empathy prevent such sacrifices?
A Different Perspective
Justifications often ignore deeper harm.
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