"If you don't believe in God, all you have to believe in is decency. Decency is very good. Better decent than indecent. But I don't think it's enough"
- Harold MacMillan
About this Quote
In this quote by Harold MacMillan, the former British Prime Minister touches on the themes of belief, morality, and the sufficiency of decency as an assisting concept. At its core, the quote recommends a dichotomy between religion and secular morality. MacMillan appears to acknowledge that, for those who do not register for faiths, particularly belief in God, decency-- a commitment to ethical and moral standards-- functions as a fundamental concept to live by.
MacMillan begins by positing that an absence of belief in God demands a reliance on decency. By stating, "all you need to think in is decency," he locates decency as an alternative ethical compass for browsing life in the absence of spiritual faith. This is an acknowledgment that ethical behavior does not exclusively originate from spiritual teachings but can likewise develop from secular humanism, which typically focuses on decency, compassion, and common good.
The declaration "Decency is very good. Better decent than indecent," underscores his appreciation for decency as a valuable trait. He acknowledges the universal appeal of decency as a virtue, suggesting it is an essential element of any ethical structure whether religious or nonreligious. The option to explain it as "much better" emphasizes that it is more effective to maintain stability and ethical standards over living an indecent life without ethical considerations.
However, the concluding part of the quote, "But I don't think it's enough," exposes a crucial evaluation of decency's constraints. MacMillan implies that while decency is advantageous, it may fall short in addressing the much deeper existential or spiritual questions that faiths try to deal with. This might reflect a belief that religion or belief in God offers a more comprehensive structure for comprehending life, offering purpose and meaning beyond the ethical dimensions that decency covers.
In general, MacMillan's quote suggests a respect for nonreligious morality but also posits a potential inadequacy when it pertains to fulfilling the more comprehensive human quest for meaning and function.