Founding Address (1876), Some Characteristics of the American Ethical Movement (1925)
Context: Spiritual evolution is the progressive advance of mankind toward a state of things in which the light of ethical perfection shall be reflected from the face of human society; that is, in which all men shall live and move and have their being in mutually promoting the highest life of each and all. It means that the object of social reformation shall not be a mere change in the conditions under which men live, but a change in human nature itself. It means that we shall look forward consciously to the breaking forth of new powers in ourselves, to the release, through our own efforts, of capacities dimly latent in us.
“The duty of the State is double; it must strive to perfect its member, by promoting their intellectual and moral progress, et try to keep the right and the justice in their mutual relationships.”
Source: Words of a Sage : Selected thoughts of African Spir (1937), p. 44.
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African Spir 98
Russian philosopher 1837–1890Related quotes
Source: Neo-statecraft and Meta-geopolitics (2009), p.13
"The Obligation to Disobey," Ethics, Vol. 77, No. 3 (April 1967), p. 163
“A society is a cooperative venture for the mutual advantage of its members.”
Source: Economics Of The Welfare State (Fourth Edition), Chapter 3, Political Theory: Social Justice And The State, p. 42
Source: The Limits of Evolution, and Other Essays, Illustrating the Metaphysical Theory of Personal Ideaalism (1905), The Limits of Evolution, p.7
Source: Neo-statecraft and Meta-geopolitics (2009), p.147
“Gentleness and cheerfulness, these come before all morality; they are the perfect duties.”
Source: Across the Plains (1892), Ch. XII, A Christmas Sermon.
Introductory
A Treatise on Man and the Development of His Faculties (1842)
"Fragments of Light: A View as to the Reasons for the Commandments," in The Lights of Penitence, The Moral Principles, Lights of Holiness, Essays, Letters, and Poems, trans. Ben Zion Bokser (New York: Paulist Press, 1978), pp. 317-318.