The law of humanity ought to be composed of the past, the present, and the future, that we bear within us; whoever possesses but one of these terms, has but a fragment of the law of the moral world.

Summary

This quote suggests that the law that governs human behavior should encompass the understanding and consideration of the past, the present, and the future. It argues that these three interconnected elements are essential for a complete and comprehensive understanding of moral values and principles. Simply focusing on one of these aspects would provide only a partial understanding, potentially leading to an incomplete or distorted moral perspective. In order to have a holistic and well-rounded understanding of morality, all three dimensions – past, present, and future – must be taken into account.

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