All historical experience demonstrates the following: Our earth cannot be changed unless in the not too distant future an alteration in the consciousness of individuals is achieved.
Hans KungRead
However, if the religions in essence merely repeat statements from the United Nations Human Rights Declaration, such a Declaration becomes superfluous; an ethic is more than rights.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True ethics go beyond mere rights and laws as stated by human rights documents.
Hans Kung emphasizes that ethics should encompass deeper moral values that transcend the basic rights outlined in legal documents like the United Nations Human Rights Declaration. He argues that religions and ethical teachings must provide a richer moral framework rather than just repeating the rights and entitlements that have been codified in human rights declarations, suggesting that ethics involve a richer and more comprehensive understanding of human dignity and morality.
Themes
EthicsHuman RightsMoralityReligionValues
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on moral philosophy, you might use this quote to illustrate the depth of ethical discussions beyond legal frameworks.
More from Hans Kung
All quotes βTime and again we see leaders and members of religions incite aggression, fanaticism, hate, and xenophobia - even inspire and legitimate violent and bloody conflicts.
Hans KungRead
But I have to add - and this answers your other question - this catholicity in time and in space is only meaningful for me if there is, at the same time, a concentration on the Gospel.
Hans KungRead
We are conscious that religions cannot solve the economic, political and social problems of this earth.
Hans KungRead
At the same time we are aware that our various religions and ethical traditions often offer very different bases for what is helpful and what is unhelpful for men and women, what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is evil.
Hans KungRead
In the last resort, a love of God without love of humanity is no love at all.
Hans KungRead
Similar quotes
I returned to India because I believe in an India of honesty and hard work, not of corruption and crookedness. I believe in an India of openness and straightforwardness, not of hypocrisy and double-dealing. I believe in an India where opportunities are available to all, and not just to a chosen few.
Shashi TharoorRead
The Buddha never intended to make desire itself the problem. When he said craving causes suffering, he was referring not to our natural inclination as living beings to have wants and needs, but to our habit of clinging to experience that must, by nature, pass away.
Tara BrachRead
I many no longer depend on pleasant impulses to bring me before the Lord. I must rather response to principles I know to be right, whether I feel them to be enjoyable or not.
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For everyone nowadays knows, absolutely is CERTAIN, that nothing bad will ever happen to ME. Others die, I go on. There are no consequences and no responsibilities. Except that there ARE. But let's not talk about them, eh? By the time the consequences catch up to you, it's too late, isn't it, Montag?
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If you have to have it, it's ego. If you have to not have it, it's ego. Hold life lightly and it will deliver what you need and release what you don't.
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I am a mirror to my neighbor, and in that mirror, he must see a reflection of Jesus. If that mirror is cloudy or distorted, Jesus' reflection will be so vague it will hardly be seen.
Mother AngelicaRead