Conscience Quote by Pascal Bruckner
![“Worrying about what does not yet exist, is that a gesture of love or the worst kind of argument putting pressure on the living, an excess of scrupulous conscience? For fear of soiling our hands, we prefer to cut them off right now. [...] How far can responsibility go without turning into an…” quote by Pascal Bruckner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0bd/pascal-bruckner-16734_ethics_worrying-about-what-does-not-yet-exist-i_1917317.jpg)
““Worrying about what does not yet exist, is that a gesture of love or the worst kind of argument putting pressure on the living, an excess of scrupulous conscience? For fear of soiling our hands, we prefer to cut them off right now. [...] How far can responsibility go without turning into an abstraction? To extend it to all coming generations is to empty it of its meaning, to put a titanic weight on our shoulders. By being accountable for everything, we are accountable for nothing. We can receive no pardon for our errors, since those who would be in a position to grant it have not yet been born! A vicious circle: isn't sacrificing people today for the benefit of those to come also a way of penalizing the latter [...]?””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ethics of Ambiguity, Pascal Bruckner, 2005
The quote questions how excessive future responsibility can become abstract, burdensome, and paradoxical, turning care into a harmful pressure rather than genuine concern.
In simple terms: Too much future responsibility can become empty and oppressive.
Key Takeaway
Balance caring for future generations with realistic limits.
Themes
responsibility
ethics
future generations
burden
paradox
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
critical
Type
philosophical
reflective
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- family planning
- environmental activism
- personal decision making
- education curricula
Key Concepts
existentialism
moral philosophy
intergenerational justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we prioritize present actions while considering future impact?
- What limits should be set on responsibility to future generations?
A Different Perspective
It may ignore present needs and agency, leading to paralysis or neglect of current issues.
