An idea from Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

You can never be sure anyone, even you, has acted purely from duty. A hidden wish for praise could always be the real reason. So morality can’t be learned from examples. Even the best person’s example has to be checked against a standard you already hold.

From Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals by Immanuel Kant

Enjoy The Road is a library of ideas from books that lasted, in plain words. A new one every day, free to read.


The Sunday email

One email each Sunday morning: the week’s seven ideas, a question to think about, and a link to a story to read to a child.

Get the Sunday email