Quote by George Eliot

If the past is not to bind us, where can duty lie? We should have no law but the inclination of the moment.

If the past is not to bind us, where can duty lie? We should

Summary

This quote questions where our sense of duty comes from if we are not bound by our past. It suggests that if we are not guided by previous experiences, then our only obligation should be dictated by our immediate desires or impulses. It proposes the idea that rules and obligations stemming from personal inclination, rather than societal norms or moral standards, should be the only governing principles in our lives.

Topics

Man

By George Eliot

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

Croesus said to Cambyses; That peace was better than war; be

Croesus said to Cambyses; That peace was better than war; because in peace the sons did bury their fathers, but in wars the fathers did bury their sons.

I know not why any one but a schoolboy in his declamation sh

I know not why any one but a schoolboy in his declamation should whine over the Commonwealth of Rome, which grew great only by the misery of the rest of mankind. The Romans, like others, as soon as they grew rich, grew corrupt; and in their corruption sold the lives and freedoms of themselves, and of one another.

Freedom America Corruption Tyranny Rome Johnson Boswell Corrupt Life Of Johnson

There is a direct line relationship between what happened in

There is a direct line relationship between what happened in Afghanistan in the work up to 11 September 2001 and what we're doing in Afghanistan today.

Relationship

The novel succeeds on terms exclusive to literature. A good

The novel succeeds on terms exclusive to literature. A good film succeeds on terms exclusive to the cinema. That's why so many bad novels can become good movies, like 'Jaws' or 'The Godfather.'

Alexander Payne

Movies

Pessimism is, in brief, playing the sure game. You cannot lo

Pessimism is, in brief, playing the sure game. You cannot lose at it; you may gain. It is the only view of life in which you can never be disappointed. Having reckoned what to do in the worst possible circumstances, when better arise, as they may, life becomes child's play.

Pessimism

Poetry is a natural energy resource of our country.It has no

Poetry is a natural energy resource of our country.It has no energy crisis, possessing a potential that will last as long as the country. Its power is equal to that of any country in the world.

Richard Eberhart

Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence

Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.

Success

From its brilliancy everything is illuminated.

From its brilliancy everything is illuminated.

There is none made so great, but he may both need the help a

There is none made so great, but he may both need the help and service, and stand in fear of the power and unkindness, even of the meanest of mortals.

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Fear

Good design is good business.

Good design is good business.

Thomas J. Watson

Business Design

There are people who never experience that, who remain close

There are people who never experience that, who remain closed until death, from fear of change.

Isabelle Adjani

Death

What I learned from Lennon was something that did stay with

What I learned from Lennon was something that did stay with me my whole career, which is to be very straightforward. I actually love talking about taking pictures, and I think that helps everyone.

Annie Leibovitz

Love Help