back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 3720

[from 'Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals' by Immanuel Kant, in 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / f. Altruism ]

Full Idea

We are pleased to flatter ourselves with the false claim to a nobler motive, but in fact we can never, even by the most strenuous self-examination, get to the bottom of our secret impulsions.

Gist of Idea

We may claim noble motives, but we cannot penetrate our secret impulses

Source

Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785], 407.26)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Moral Law (Groundwork of Morals)', ed/tr. Paton,H.J. [Hutchinson 1948], p.72