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The ultimate decision about what is accepted as right and wrong will be made not by individual human wisdom but by the disappearance of the groups that have adhered to the "wrong" beliefs.
Friedrich August Von Hayek
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Society dictates morality, where outdated beliefs fade away as groups dissolve over time.

Friedrich August Von Hayek's quote highlights the idea that moral beliefs are not solely determined by rational thought or individual wisdom but by the collective evolution and survival of groups. Those who cling to outdated or 'wrong' beliefs tend to fade away, suggesting that societal consensus ultimately shapes our understanding of right and wrong rather than personal opinion alone.

Themes

MoralitySocietyBeliefWisdomEvolution

In practice

Example use cases

During a philosophy seminar discussing ethical beliefs.

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The importance of our being free to do a particular thing has nothing to do with the question of whether we or the majority are ever likely to make use of that particular possibility. To grant no more freedom than all can exercise would be to misconceive its function completely. The freedom that will be used by only one man in a million may be more important to society and more beneficial to the majority than any freedom that we all use.
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