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
The 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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-love is not enough to ensure individual well-being; passions and desires play a necessary role in personal security.
In this quote, Joseph Butler reflects on the complexities of human nature and the interplay between self-love and our inherent desires. He suggests that while individuals may have a rational love for themselves, it is not adequate on its own to safeguard their interests and well-being; rather, our appetites and passions act as essential elements that motivate and protect us, ensuring we take the necessary care of ourselves. This highlights the need for a balance between rationality and emotional drives in the pursuit of a fulfilling life.
Themes
Self-LovePassionsIndividual Well-BeingDesires
In practice
Example use cases
You could use this quote in a discussion about the balance between rational thinking and emotional impulses.
More from Joseph Butler
All quotes →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
There is a much more exact correspondence between the natural and moral world than we are apt to take notice of.
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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