“ We never excuse the absolute want of spirit and dignity of character, or a proper sense of what is due to one's self, in society and the common intercourse of life. ”
David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals (1751). copy citation
| Author | David Hume |
|---|---|
| Source | An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals |
| Topic | society excuse |
| Date | 1751 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/4320/4320-h/4320-h.htm |
Context
“To enter thoroughly into this method of thinking, we must make allowance for the ancient maxims, that no one ought to prolong his life after it became dishonourable; but, as he had always a right to dispose of it, it then became a duty to part with it.]
We never excuse the absolute want of spirit and dignity of character, or a proper sense of what is due to one's self, in society and the common intercourse of life. This vice constitutes what we properly call MEANNESS; when a man can submit to the basest slavery, in order to gain his ends; fawn upon those who abuse him; and degrade himself by intimacies and familiarities with undeserving inferiors.”
source
