Skip to content

Answer Quote by Theodore Dalrymple

“I do not think it possible for anyone to get by in life without prejudice. However, the attempt to do so leads many people to suppose that, in order to decide any moral question, they have to find an indubitable first principle from which they can deduce an answer.” quote by Theodore Dalrymple
Download Open image
“I do not think it possible for anyone to get by in life without prejudice. However, the attempt to do so leads many people to suppose that, in order to decide any moral question, they have to find an indubitable first principle from which they can deduce an answer.”

Theodore Dalrymple

About This Quote

Source Book: Health, Illness and the Power of Narrative, 2009

Prejudice is inevitable; seeking a flawless moral foundation is futile.

In simple terms: We all have biases; perfect moral certainty is impossible.

Key Takeaway

Accept imperfection, act ethically despite bias.

Themes

ethics prejudice human nature

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal decision making
  • legal judgments
  • social policy

Key Concepts

moral philosophy cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize your own biases?
  • Can moral decisions be made without absolute certainty?
A Different Perspective

Prejudice can be mitigated through reflection and dialogue.

3.8 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Theodore Dalrymple

Explore all 95 Theodore Dalrymple quotes

More Answer quotes

Browse all 2,090 Answer quotes