To be beneficent when we can is a duty; and besides this, there are many minds so sympathetically constituted that, without any other motive of vanity or self-interest, they find a pleasure in spreading joy around them and can take delight in the satisfaction of others so far as it is their own work.
Where these words come from
- 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals; source text line 466; English translation: Thomas Kingsmill Abbott
- Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals; source text line 466
More from Immanuel Kant
See allFor example, it is always a matter of duty that a dealer should not over charge an inexperienced purchaser; and wherever there is much commerce the prudent tradesman does not overcharge, but keeps a fixed price for everyone, so that a child buys of him as well as any other.
Immanuel KantOn the other hand, it is a duty to maintain one's life; and, in addition, everyone has also a direct inclination to do so.Immanuel KantTo secure one's own happiness is a duty, at least indirectly; for discontent with one's condition, under a pressure of many anxieties and amidst unsatisfied wants, might easily become a great temptation to transgression of duty.Immanuel KantFor love, as an affection, cannot be commanded, but beneficence for duty's sake may; even though we are not impelled to it by any inclination- nay, are even repelled by a natural and unconquerable aversion.Immanuel KantThe third proposition, which is a consequence of the two preceding, I would express thus: Duty is the necessity of acting from respect for the law.Immanuel KantNow it is a wholly different thing to be truthful from duty and to be so from apprehension of injurious consequences.Immanuel Kant
Immanuel KantOn the other hand, it is a duty to maintain one's life; and, in addition, everyone has also a direct inclination to do so.Immanuel KantTo secure one's own happiness is a duty, at least indirectly; for discontent with one's condition, under a pressure of many anxieties and amidst unsatisfied wants, might easily become a great temptation to transgression of duty.Immanuel KantFor love, as an affection, cannot be commanded, but beneficence for duty's sake may; even though we are not impelled to it by any inclination- nay, are even repelled by a natural and unconquerable aversion.Immanuel KantThe third proposition, which is a consequence of the two preceding, I would express thus: Duty is the necessity of acting from respect for the law.Immanuel KantNow it is a wholly different thing to be truthful from duty and to be so from apprehension of injurious consequences.Immanuel KantMore inspiration
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