Feminine virtue is nothing but a convenient masculine invention.
Ninon De L'EnclosRead
If a man needs a religion to conduct himself properly in this world, it is a sign that he has either a limited mind or a corrupt heart.
Interpretation
A true moral compass should not depend on religious beliefs, indicating a flaw in one's character or intellect if it does.
This quote by Ninon De L'Enclos suggests that if an individual relies on religion to behave ethically and properly, it reflects either a lack of intellectual depth or a moral deficiency. It emphasizes the idea that morality should stem from personal integrity rather than institutionalized beliefs, hinting at the importance of self-governance in ethical conduct.
In practice
During a philosophical discussion on the nature of morality.
A war is not won if the defeated enemy has not been turned into a friend.
I never started from ideas but always from character.
I've come to the conclusion that mythology is really a form of archaeological psychology. Mythology gives you a sense of what a people believes, what they fear.
The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.
I believe that there is something far nobler than loyalty to any particular man. Loyalty to the truth as we perceive it - loyalty to our duty as we know it - loyalty to the ideals of our brain and heart - is, to my mind, far greater and far nobler than loyalty to the life of any particular man or God. . . .
Take it that you have died today, and your life's story is ended; and henceforward regard what future time may be given you as uncovenanted surplus, and live it out in harmony with nature.
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