Book Quote by Robert Bolt
“Morality's not practical. Morality's a gesture. A complicated gesture learnt from books.”
About This Quote
Source Film: A Man for All Seasons, 1966
Morality is presented as a symbolic, learned gesture rather than a practical guide for action.
In simple terms: Morality is more about symbolic gestures than practical rules.
Key Takeaway
Consider the practical implications of moral beliefs.
Themes
morality
philosophy
education
culture
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- ethical education
- personal conduct
- societal norms
Key Concepts
symbolic gesture
practicality
learning from texts
Questions to Reflect On
- What role do symbols play in shaping moral behavior?
- How can we translate moral gestures into concrete actions?
A Different Perspective
Morality can be abstract and disconnected from daily life.
![“This account of him [Thomas More] developed as I wrote: what first attracted me was a person who could not be accused of any incapacity for life, who indeed seized life in great variety and almost greedy quantities, who nevertheless found something in himself without which life was valueless and…” quote by Robert Bolt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e50/robert-bolt-21488_able_this-account-of-him-thomas-more-develope_749259.jpg)
