The love of liberty that is not a real principle of dutiful behavior to authority is as hypocritical as the religion that is not productive of a good life.
Joseph ButlerRead
There is a much more exact correspondence between the natural and moral world than we are apt to take notice of.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The moral world closely aligns with the natural world, though we often overlook this connection.
Joseph Butler's quote suggests that the relationship between nature and morality is more precise than we typically recognize. It implies that understanding the natural world can provide insights into moral principles, encouraging us to explore the underlying connections between how we behave and the natural laws that govern life.
Themes
MoralityNatureCorrespondenceUnderstandingPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about environmental ethics, this quote can highlight the importance of moral responsibility towards nature.
More from Joseph Butler
All quotes βThe private interest of the individual would not be sufficiently provided for by reasonable and cool self-love alone; therefore the appetites and passions are placed within as a guard and further security, without which it would not be taken due care of.
Joseph ButlerRead
Both our senses and our passions are a supply to the imperfection of our nature; thus they show that we are such sort of creatures as to stand in need of those helps which higher orders of creatures do not.
Joseph ButlerRead
However, without considering this connection, there is no doubt but that more good than evil, more delight than sorrow, arises from compassion itself; there being so many things which balance the sorrow of it.
Joseph ButlerRead
God Almighty is, to be sure, unmoved by passion or appetite, unchanged by affection; but then it is to be added that He neither sees nor hears nor perceives things by any senses like ours; but in a manner infinitely more perfect.
Joseph ButlerRead
That which is the foundation of all our hopes and of all our fears; all our hopes and fears which are of any consideration; I mean a Future Life.
Joseph ButlerRead
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