Source: Who Is Man? (1965), Ch. 5<!-- Existence and expediency, p. 85 -->
Context: Man is naturally self-centered and he is inclined to regard expediency as the supreme standard for what is right and wrong. However, we must not convert an inclination into an axiom that just as man's perceptions cannot operate outside time and space, so his motivations cannot operate outside expediency; that man can never transcend his own self. The most fatal trap into which thinking may fall is the equation of existence and expediency.
“Everything that promotes the welfare, the advancement and the growth of the individual is right. And everything that interferes with the welfare, the advancement and the growth of the individual is wrong. This is the only natural standard by which we can judge what is right and what is wrong. It is therefore the true standard, being based upon the nature, the principle and the purpose of life itself.”
What is Truth (1912)
Help us to complete the source, original and additional information
Christian D. Larson 17
Prolific author of metaphysical and New Thought books 1874–1962Related quotes
"The Ethics of Human Beings Toward Non-human Beings", pp. 278
The Universal Kinship (1906), The Ethical Kinship
Source: Better-World Philosophy: A Sociological Synthesis (1899), The Social Problem, pp. 79–80
“Growth and prosperity. These are the blocks with which we must build our welfare society.”
From the Opening Address to the Folketing (The Danish Parliament) on Tuesday 6 October 2009.
2000s, 2009
“Every political edict which is not based upon nature is wrong.”
(Autumn 1792) [Source: Oeuvres Complètes de Saint-Just, vol. 1 (2 vols., Paris, 1908), p. 306]
Sich Alles, was zum leiblichen Wohlseyn beiträgt, zu verschaffen, ist der Zweck seines Lebens. Glücklich genug, wenn dieser ihm viel zu schaffen macht! Denn, sind jene Güter ihm schon zum voraus oktroyirt; so fällt er unausbleiblich der Langenweile anheim.
E. Payne, trans. (1974) Vol. 1, p. 344
Parerga and Paralipomena (1851), Aphorisms on the Wisdom of Life
An atmosphere of sympathetic influence encircles every human being; and the man or woman who feels strongly, healthily and justly, on the great interests of humanity, is a constant benefactor to the human race. See, then, to your sympathies in this matter! Are they in harmony with the sympathies of Christ? or are they swayed and perverted by the sophistries of worldly policy?
Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852), Concluding Remarks
How do you tell right from wrong? Where are the rules?
Creation seminars (2003-2005), The dangers of evolution