Authority Quote by Samuel Scheffler
“Some people think that in order to lead a morally decent life one may sometimes have to forego the possibility of having a good life oneself. Even if that is true, it does not render morality incredible, but it does raise a question about morality's authority: about what one has most reason to do when one is faced with a conflict of this kind.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical essay, 2008
Moral duty may require sacrificing personal happiness, raising questions about the source and limits of moral authority.
In simple terms: Doing what’s right can mean giving up personal good.
Key Takeaway
Consider the balance between moral duty and personal well‑being.
Themes
ethics
morality
self‑sacrifice
authority
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- Ethical decision‑making
- personal sacrifice
- public policy
Key Concepts
Moral conflict
philosophical reasoning
life choices
Questions to Reflect On
- What should be the priority: personal happiness or moral duty?
- How do we justify moral authority?
A Different Perspective
Moral expectations can be overly demanding.
![“Nineteen thousand children [are] dying every day. Does it really matter that we're not walking past them in the street? Does it really matter that they're far away? I don't think it does make a morally relevant difference.” quote by Peter Singer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cc1/peter-singer-1001_children_nineteen-thousand-children-are-dying-eve_33961.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)