Single Idea 21426

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / h. Respect]

Full Idea

The principle of mutual love admonishes men constantly to come closer to one another; that of the respect they owe one another, to keep themselves at a distance from one another.

Gist of Idea

Love urges us to get closer to people, but respect to keep our distance

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals II:Doctrine of Virtue [1797], 449 I.II)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Metaphysics of Morals', ed/tr. Gregor,Mary [CUP 1991], p.244


A Reaction

It might be a situation where it is right to invoke the Golden Rule. Do we want others to be close to us all the time? Probably not. Respect wins, and love loses! Kant's makes a nice distinction. Respect is a virtue, and love is not.

Related Idea

Idea 21425 We can love without respect, and show respect without love [Kant]