Absolutes Quote by Paul Tillich
![“Our search for such [moral] principles can start with . . . the unconditional imperative to acknowledge every person as a person. If we ask for the contents given by this absolute, we find, first, something negative-the command not to treat a person as a thing. This seems little, but it is much…” quote by Paul Tillich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a0e/paul-tillich-3183_absolutes_our-search-for-such-moral-principles-can_595805.jpg)
“Our search for such [moral] principles can start with . . . the unconditional imperative to acknowledge every person as a person. If we ask for the contents given by this absolute, we find, first, something negative-the command not to treat a person as a thing. This seems little, but it is much. It is the core of the principle of justice.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Courage to Be, Paul Tillich, 1952
Justice begins by recognizing each individual’s inherent dignity and refusing to treat them as objects.
In simple terms: Treat people as persons, not things.
Key Takeaway
Respect every person’s humanity.
Themes
justice
human dignity
ethics
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- law practice
- medical ethics
- education
- human resources
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Kantian ethics
personhood
unconditional imperative
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure policies reflect this principle?
- What obstacles prevent us from seeing others as persons?
A Different Perspective
May overlook systemic power imbalances that affect treatment.
![“[American] conformism might approximate collectivism, not so much in economic respects, and not too much in political respects, but very much in the pattern of daily life and thought. Whether this will happen or not, and if it does to what degree, is partly dependent on the power of resistance in…” quote by Paul Tillich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9c1/paul-tillich-3183_collectivism_american-conformism-might-approximate-co_52875.jpg)
![“Their [the U.S.’s] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russia’s. This is what in defense is referred to as ‘their home — their fortress.’ And good for them, I say. Well done!” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec3/vladimir-putin-261_absolutes_their-the-u-s-s-defense-budget-in-absolu_10791.jpg)
