Character Quote by Will Durant
““Ultimately there are but three systems of ethics, three conceptions of the ideal character and the moral life. One is that of Buddha and Jesus, which stresses the feminine virtues, considers all men to be equally precious, resists evil only by returning good, identifies virtue with love, and inclines in politics to unlimited democracy. Another is the ethic of Machiavelli and Nietzsche, which stresses the masculine virtues, accepts the inequality of men, relishes the risks of combat and conquest and rule, identifies virtue with power, and exalts an hereditary aristocracy. A third, the ethic of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, denies the universal applicability of either the feminine or the masculine virtues; considers that only the informed and mature mind can judge, according to diverse circumstance, when love should rule, and when power; identifies virtue, therefore, with intelligence; and advocates a varying mixture of aristocracy and democracy in government.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Story of Philosophy, 1945
Three ethical systems: Buddhist/Christian love‑based, Machiavellian/Nietzschean power‑based, Socratic/Aristotelian intellect‑based.
In simple terms: Three main moral frameworks differ in values.
Key Takeaway
Understand diverse ethical perspectives.
Themes
ethics
philosophy
morality
politics
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- ethical decision‑making
- education curriculum
- leadership training
Key Concepts
love vs power vs intelligence
feminine vs masculine virtues
democratic vs aristocratic governance
Questions to Reflect On
- Which ethical system aligns with your values?
- How can you integrate aspects of each?
A Different Perspective
Each system has limitations and may conflict in practice.
