Single Idea 23814

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / a. Idealistic ethics]

Full Idea

There is a reality outside the world …outside any sphere that is accessible to human faculties. Corresponding to this reality, at the centre of the human heart, is the longing for an absolute good, which is always there and never appeased by this world.

Gist of Idea

Every human yearns for an unattainable transcendent good

Source

Simone Weil (Draft Statement of Human Obligations [1943], p.221)

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'An Anthology' [Penguin 1986], p.221


A Reaction

I don't believe in any sort of transcendent reality, but I can identify with this. Even if you have a highly naturalistic view of what is valuable (see late Philippa Foot), there is this indeterminate yearning for that value.