Attention Quote by Madame de Stael
“Whatever efforts one may make, one must revert to the realization that religion is the real basis of morality; religion is the real and perceptible purpose within us, which alone, can turn aside our attention from things. ... The science of morality can no more teach human beings to be honest, in all the magnificence of this word, than geometry can teach one how to draw.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence with a friend, 1810
Morality stems from religious belief; secular reasoning cannot fully teach virtue like geometry teaches drawing.
In simple terms: Religion grounds morality, not science.
Key Takeaway
Consider spiritual foundations of ethics.
Themes
ethics
religion
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- personal decision‑making
- community standards
- educational curricula
- interfaith dialogue
- public policy
Key Concepts
moral epistemology
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- Can morality exist without religion?
- What role does reason play in ethics?
A Different Perspective
Secular ethics can also be robust.
![“[Ridicule] laughs at all those who see the earnestness of life and who still believe in true feelings and in serious thought ... It soils the hope of youth. Only shameless vice is above its reach.” quote by Madame de Stael](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/153/madame-de-stael-2069_believe_ridicule-laughs-at-all-those-who-see-the_131952.jpg)
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
