Permitted Quote by Theodore Dreiser
“Nothing is proved, all is permitted.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: An American Tragedy, 1925
Suggests that without absolute truth, moral relativism prevails, allowing any behavior to be justified.
In simple terms: Without truth, anything can be justified.
Key Takeaway
Question absolute moral standards.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
relativism
truth
freedom
Mood
critical
philosophical
Type
ethical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- legal judgments
- personal decisions
- cultural debates
Key Concepts
moral ambiguity
existential doubt
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What anchors moral judgments in a relativistic world?
- How do societies prevent moral chaos?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on relativism can erode social cohesion.
