It is the moral nature of man by which he rises to good and noble thoughts. The different sciences show us the world as it is. Ethics tells us what ought to be. It enables man to know how he should act.
Man has two windows to his mind: through one he can see his own self as it is; through the other, he can see what it ought to be. It is our task to analyse and explore the body, the brain and the mind of man separately; but if we stop here, we derive no benefit despite our scientific knowledge. It is necessary to know about the evil effects of injustice, wickedness, vanity and the like, and the disaster they spell where the three are found together. And mere knowledge is not enough, it should be followed by appropriate action.
An ethical idea is like an architect’s plan. The plan shows how the building should be constructed; but it becomes useless if the building is not raised accordingly. Similarly, an ethical idea is useless so long as it is not followed by suitable action.
There are many who memorize moral precepts and preach sermons, but they neither practice them nor do they mean to do so. There are some who believe that moral principles are not intended to be practiced in this world; they are meant for the other world - the world which lies beyond death. A great thinker has said, “If you wish to attain perfection, you must begin from this very day to live according to the laws of morality at any cost.
Mahatma Gandhi
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