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Ultimately a highly complex sentiment, having its first origin in the social instincts, largely guided by the approbation of our fellow-men, ruled by reason, self-interest, and in later times by deep religious feelings, confirmed by instruction and habit, all combined, constitute our moral sense or conscience.
Charles Darwin
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote explains that our moral sense is shaped by social instincts, reason, self-interest, and religious influences.

Charles Darwin highlights the complexity of human morality, suggesting that our conscience is a product of multiple influences, including social approval, rational thought, individual desires, and religious teachings. Over time, these factors intertwine through learning and habitual behaviors, ultimately forming what we understand as moral sense or conscience.

Themes

MoralityConscienceSocialReasonReligionInfluence

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the development of human morality during a philosophy class.

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we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps
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