Full Idea
Rational nature separates itself out from all other things by the fact that it sets itself an end.
Gist of Idea
The hallmark of rationality is setting itself an end
Source
Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785], 437.82)
Book Reference
Kant,Immanuel: 'The Moral Law (Groundwork of Morals)', ed/tr. Paton,H.J. [Hutchinson 1948], p.99
Related Idea
Idea 23905 Courage follows reason, which tells us to choose what is noble [Aristotle]