“Let us give ourselves indiscriminately to everything our passions suggest, and we will always be happy…Conscience is not the voice of Nature but only the voice of prejudice.”
Marquis de Sade on following our passions
Marquis de Sade, a controversial figure known for his extreme views on freedom and pleasure, once said, "Let us give ourselves indiscriminately to everything our passions suggest, and we will always be happy…Conscience is not the voice of Nature but only the voice of prejudice." This quote reflects his belief in prioritizing personal desires over moral constraints, advocating for a hedonistic lifestyle.
Analysis of Marquis de Sade's Quote
Marquis de Sade, a controversial figure known for his libertine philosophy, advocates for the pursuit of one's passions without restraint in this quote. By suggesting that happiness lies in indulging in our desires without considering morality or conscience, de Sade challenges societal norms and traditional beliefs. He dismisses conscience as merely a product of social conditioning, implying that it hinders true fulfillment. This quote underscores de Sade's belief in absolute freedom and the rejection of conventional ethics.
The Danger of Hedonism in Modern Society
Marquis de Sade's quote about following our passions without regard for conscience may seem appealing in a society that values individual freedom and pleasure above all else. However, in today's world, this mindset can lead to harmful behaviors and consequences. It is important to consider the ethical implications of our actions and strive for a balance between indulging in our desires and acting responsibly.
Reflection Questions:
As stated by Marquis de Sade, our passions are the key to true happiness, while conscience can be seen as a societal construct. These ideas may challenge our traditional beliefs and values. Take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
What are your thoughts on following your passions indiscriminately? How do you think this would impact your happiness and fulfillment?
Do you believe that conscience is solely influenced by societal norms and prejudices, or do you think it serves a greater purpose in guiding our moral compass?
How do you balance following your passions with being mindful of societal expectations and moral considerations?
Can true happiness be achieved by disregarding conventional moral standards and allowing our desires to dictate our actions?
How do you reconcile the idea of pursuing happiness through indulgence with the potential consequences and ethical implications of such behavior?
Similar quotes
“We must imagine our lives well. We must engage our conscience. Conscience is the voice of God in the nature and heart of man.”
“We, who are so schooled in the art of listening to the voices of others, can often hear our own voice only when we are alone. . . For many women, the first choice, then, is to give ourselves the necessary time and space in which to renew our acquaintance with our lost voice, to learn to recognize it, and to rejoice as we hear it express our truth.”
“Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune. ”
“Better to be miserable with her than happy without her. Let our hearts break provided they break together. If the voice within us does not say this it is not the voice of Eros.”
“And as always, it is surprisingly small, as the voice of the conscience is said to be.”