Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher, logician, and political theorist who is known as the father of modern philosophy. His ideological system has deeply influenced many fields such as Western philosophy, politics, morality, and law. In Kant's philosophical thought, he put forward many unique ideas about life, morality, knowledge, and freedom.
The first sentence: Man should be an end rather than a means
Kant believed that human beings should be respected and valued, not used or seen as tools for other ends. Everyone should be seen as an end in itself, not as a means to achieve the ends of others. This perspective emphasizes the dignity and worth of the human person and reminds us to respect the freedoms and rights of others and not to see the human being as a means to achieve one's own ends.
Sentence 2: The supreme principle of morality is to respect the freedom of others
Kant believed that the exercise of freedom is the basis of morality. Everyone has the right to exercise his or her own freedom, and the exercise of such freedom does not interfere with the freedom of others. Respect for the freedom of others is the highest principle of morality and the foundation of a good society.
Sentence 3: We should be ethical because they are right, not because they are good for us
Kant believed that the roots of morality lie in reason rather than in emotion. We follow ethics because they are right, not because they are good for us. This perspective emphasizes the intrinsic value and meaning of morality, reminding us to go beyond utilitarian ways of thinking and pursue true moral values.
Fourth sentence: There are no absolutes, everything is relative
Kant believed that human cognition can only be confined to the empirical world, and cannot recognize the existence beyond experience. The existence of all things is relative, and there is no absolute. This view reminds us to be humble and cautious, not to absolutize or absolutize our perception of things.
Sentence 5: In scientific understanding, we can only prove the existence of causality, but not its non-existence
According to Kant, scientific knowledge can only prove the existence of causality, but not its non-existence. This means that we cannot prove that there is no causal relationship between phenomena or events. This view reminds us to be cautious and open to scientific understanding, and not to lightly deny the possibility of the unknown.
Sentence 6: Freedom and duty are interrelated
Kant believed that freedom and duty are interrelated. When we exercise our freedom, we also assume obligations and responsibilities. This view reminds us not to forget our own responsibilities and obligations when exercising our freedom, to take responsibility for our actions and to respect the rights of others.
Sentence 7: Happiness is the goal and obligation of life
Kant believed that happiness is the goal and obligation of life. The pursuit of happiness is everyone's right and duty, but happiness should not only pursue material benefits or sensual enjoyment, but should also pursue spiritual satisfaction and self-realization. This perspective reminds us to go beyond materialistic pursuits and explore happiness that truly belongs to us.
Sentence 8: In moral choices, we should consider the interests of the whole rather than the interests of the individual
Kant argues that in moral choices, we should consider the interests of the whole rather than the interests of the individual. We should put the public interest above the interests of the individual and pursue social justice and equality. This perspective reminds us to have a big-picture and sense of responsibility when faced with ethical choices, and to contribute to the well-being of society as a whole.
Sentence 9: True moral behavior is not out of a sense of obligation, but out of a deep understanding of moral principles
Kant argues that true moral action is not motivated by a sense of obligation but by a deep understanding of moral norms. When we deeply understand moral principles and recognize that they are correct, we will follow them voluntarily and not out of utilitarian considerations. This perspective reminds us to go beyond superficial moral behavior and to think deeply about and understand the essence and spiritual connotation of moral principles.
Sentence 10: Man's greatest evil is cruelty to himself
Kant believed that the greatest evil of man is cruelty to himself. This cruelty manifests itself in neglect, denial, and oppression of oneself. When we are irresponsible for our actions and thoughts, or give up our ego in order to pander to others, we are committing cruel acts to ourselves. Not only does this behavior make us lose ourselves, but it also prevents us from truly living our lives. Therefore, we should cherish ourselves, affirm our own worth, constantly explore and develop our potential, and pursue true freedom and happiness.