Famous quote by Joseph Butler

Mobile Desktop
Man may act according to that principle or inclination which for the present happens to be strongest, and yet act in a w
Like

"Man may act according to that principle or inclination which for the present happens to be strongest, and yet act in a way disproportionate to, and violate his real proper nature"

- Joseph Butler

About this Quote

This quote by Joseph Butler recommends that people can acting in ways that are not in line with their true nature. He suggests that human beings might act according to the strongest inclination or concept that they really feel in the moment, also if it is not according to their true nature. This can be interpreted as a caution versus enabling our emotions to determine our activities, as it can lead us to act in manner ins which are not according to our true personality. It is essential to take a go back and think about the effects of our activities before we act on our greatest inclination. We must strive to act in ways that remain in line with our real nature, and not be swayed by our feelings.

About the Author

England Flag This quote is written / told by Joseph Butler between May 18, 1692 and June 16, 1752. He/she was a famous Clergyman from England. The author also have 30 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease - Voltaire
Voltaire
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease"
Voltaire, Writer
Small: Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore? - Henry Ward Beecher
Henry Ward Beecher
"Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?"
Henry Ward Beecher, Clergyman
Small: We cannot command Nature except by obeying her - Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon
"We cannot command Nature except by obeying her"
Francis Bacon, Philosopher
Small: The sound of the human voice is the best of nature but only if it comes out from the feelings - Giovanni Moras
Giovanni Morassutti
"The sound of the human voice is the best of nature but only if it comes out from the feelings"
Giovanni Morassutti, Actor
Small: He loves nature in spite of what it did to him - Forrest Tucker
"He loves nature in spite of what it did to him"
Forrest Tucker, Actor
Small: Nature and wisdom never are at strife - Plutarch
Plutarch
"Nature and wisdom never are at strife"
Plutarch, Philosopher
Small: There are more men ennobled by study than by nature - Cicero
Cicero
"There are more men ennobled by study than by nature"
Cicero, Philosopher
Small: Art is not merely an imitation of the reality of nature, but in truth a metaphysical supplement to the reality
Friedrich Nietzsche
"Art is not merely an imitation of the reality of nature, but in truth a metaphysical supplement to the reality of nature, placed alongside thereof for its conquest"
Friedrich Nietzsche, Philosopher
Small: Though nature be ever so generous, yet can she not make a hero alone. Fortune must contribute her part too and
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
"Though nature be ever so generous, yet can she not make a hero alone. Fortune must contribute her part too; and till both concur, the work cannot be perfected"
Francois de La Rochefoucauld, Writer
Small: He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature - Socrates
Socrates
"He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature"
Socrates, Philosopher