An idea from Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

Seen from outside, you are part of nature, pushed around by wants. Seen as a thinker, you belong to a world of reason that gives its own laws. You stand in both at once. That is why the moral law reaches you as an ought.

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.

Next idea from this book
All 30 ideas from this book
For the little ones

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