A man's ethical behaviour should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.

Summary

This quote suggests that a person's ethical behavior should be guided by empathy, education, and their relationships with others, rather than relying on religion. It argues that individuals do not need a religious framework to dictate their moral choices. Rather than being motivated by the fear of punishment or the hope of reward in the afterlife, people should act ethically because of their natural capacity for sympathy and their understanding of societal expectations and needs. It implies that reliance on fear and reward may impoverish human morality.

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