"The essence of morality is a questioning about morality; and the decisive move of human life is to use ceaselessly all light to look for the origin of the opposition between good and evil"
- Georges Bataille
About this Quote
Georges Bataille's quote, "The essence of morality is a questioning about morality; and the decisive move of human life is to use constantly all light to search for the origin of the opposition between great and wicked," invites deep reflection on the nature of morality and the human condition. He suggests that the core of ethical approach is not just sticking to pre-existing ethical codes or concepts but participating in a constant procedure of query. This perspective suggests that morality is vibrant and subject to continuous assessment and re-evaluation instead of being a static set of guidelines.
Bataille stresses the significance of questioning morality itself, proposing that real moral understanding emerges from a critical expedition of why we consider particular actions as excellent or wicked. This continuous questioning prevents the stagnancy of moral idea and assists individuals and societies progress their ethical beliefs in reaction to brand-new difficulties and insights.
The phrase "usage continually all light" metaphorically highlights the requirement for knowledge and reasoning in our mission to comprehend moral dichotomies. Light, in this context, represents understanding, wisdom, and clearness-- tools important for dissecting complex ethical concerns and discovering the underlying causes of moral judgments. Bataille seems to recommend that just through unrelenting questions and the pursuit of understanding can humankind want to browse the nuanced landscape between excellent and evil efficiently.
Finally, the "origin of the opposition in between good and wicked" indicate a more extensive expedition into the structures and historical contexts that shape our perceptions of morality. It challenges people to understand not just what is thought about moral or not, however why those distinctions exist in the first location. By looking for the origins of these ethical structures, people can cultivate a more nuanced, understanding, and informed ethical point of view, eventually enriching the ethical discourse.
In essence, Bataille advocates for an active, thoughtful engagement with morality, urging people to question and explore the roots of moral principles continuously. This method not only advances personal growth however also adds to a more thorough understanding of human morality as a whole.
"Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage"