Single Idea 9234

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / d. Subjective value]

Full Idea

It is not possible for a person who does not already care at least about something to discover reasons for caring about anything.

Gist of Idea

If you don't care about at least one thing, you can't find reasons to care about anything

Source

Harry G. Frankfurt (The Reasons of Love [2005], 1.11)

Book Reference

Frankfurt,Harry G.: 'The Reasons of Love' [Princeton 2006], p.26


A Reaction

This is the key idea of this lovely book. Without a glimmer of love somewhere, it is not possible to bootstrap a meaningful life. The glimmer of caring about one thing is transferable. See the Ancient Mariner and the watersnake.