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Moral Beings Quote by Salman Rushdie

“and I began to wonder if we were moral beings at all or simply savages who defined their private bigotries as necessary ethics, as the only ways to be.” quote by Salman Rushdie
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““and I began to wonder if we were moral beings at all or simply savages who defined their private bigotries as necessary ethics, as the only ways to be.””

Salman Rushdie

About This Quote

Source Novel: Midnight’s Children, Salman Rushdie, 1981

The quote questions whether our moral codes are genuine or merely self‑justified biases presented as universal ethics.

In simple terms: We may be justifying selfishness as morality.

Key Takeaway

Examine your own moral assumptions.

Themes

morality ethics self‑deception

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical questioning

When to use this quote

  • personal decision
  • political rhetoric
  • social movements

Key Concepts

cultural relativism psychology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you base your ethics on universal principles or personal convenience?
  • How do societal norms influence your sense of right and wrong?
A Different Perspective

Moral frameworks can be shaped by power and fear.

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