--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A great principle of moral advancement…" description: "\"“A great principle of moral advancement, on a par with “Love thy neighbor” and “All men are created equal,” is the one on the bumper sticker: “Shit hap..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1d0/steven-pinker-526_character_a-great-principle-of-moral-advancement-o_1088962.jpg" --- # A great principle of moral advancement, on a par with… ![“A great principle of moral advancement, on a par with “Love thy neighbor” and “All men are created equal,” is the one on the bumper sticker: “Shit happens.” quote by Steven Pinker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1d0/steven-pinker-526_character_a-great-principle-of-moral-advancement-o_1088962.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1d0/steven-pinker-526_character_a-great-principle-of-moral-advancement-o_1088962.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1d0/steven-pinker-526_character_a-great-principle-of-moral-advancement-o_1088962.jpg) > ““A great principle of moral advancement, on a par with “Love thy neighbor” and “All men are created equal,” is the one on the bumper sticker: “Shit happens.”” [Steven Pinker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-pinker/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Advocates a pragmatic moral principle that accepts life’s randomness (“Shit happens”) alongside classic ethical maxims. **In simple terms:** Accept randomness as part of moral life. Key Takeaway Balance idealism with realistic acceptance. Themes ethics realism humor Mood thoughtful wry Type philosophical humorous When to use this quote - daily decision making - conflict resolution - stress coping Key Concepts philosophy psychology Questions to Reflect On - How does acknowledging randomness affect judgment? - When is “Shit happens” insufficient? A Different Perspective May seem dismissive of serious moral issues. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bumper sticker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bumper-sticker/) [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Integrity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/integrity/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Love thy neighbor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love-thy-neighbor/) [Moral Advancement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moral-advancement-2804851/) [Principle Moral](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principle-moral-1117961/) [Shit happens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shit-happens/) [Sticker Shit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sticker-shit-2804852/) ## Related quotes > [...virtue is not merely a state in conformity with the right principle, but one that implies the right principle; and the right principle in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristotle/virtue-is-not-merely-a-state-in-conformity-with-the-right-principle/) [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) > [“Unregenerate men perform many actions, good so far as their external relations to their fellow-men are concerned. 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