For duty is to be a practical, unconditional necessity of action; it must therefore hold for all rational beings (to whom an imperative can apply at all), and for this reason only be also a law for all human wills.
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 1560; English translation: Thomas Kingsmill Abbott
- Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals; source text line 1560
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 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.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 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 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.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 KantMore inspiration
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Eleanor RooseveltNo one can make you feel inferior without your consent.Eleanor RooseveltLittle strokes fell great oaks.Benjamin FranklinEnergy and persistence conquer all things.Benjamin FranklinWell done is better than well said.Benjamin FranklinIf there is no struggle, there is no progress.Frederick Douglass