Absolutes Quote by Thomas Carlyle
“The infinite, absolute character of Virtue has passed into a finite, conditional one; it is no longer a worship of the Beautiful and Good; but a calculation of the Profitable.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History" (1841)
Virtue once absolute now becomes conditional, shifting from worship of beauty and goodness to profit‑driven calculation.
In simple terms: Virtue is now seen as useful, not ideal.
Key Takeaway
Question motives behind moral choices.
Themes
morality
materialism
philosophy
Mood
critical
contemplative
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- political policy
- personal ethics
Key Concepts
ethical theory
economic critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Is profit a valid moral guide?
- How can we balance utility and idealism?
A Different Perspective
Profit focus can erode true virtue.
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