"Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals" Quotes

Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.

A good will is not good because of what it performs or effects, not by its aptness for the attainment of some proposed end, but simply by virtue of the volition; that is, it is good in itself.

So act that your principle of action might safely be made a law for the whole world.

Morality is not properly the doctrine of how we may make ourselves happy, but how we may make ourselves worthy of happiness.

In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.

Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end.

Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing admiration and awe, the more often and steadily we reflect upon them: the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.

Act as if the maxim of your action were to become a universal law of nature.

The only unconditional good is a good will.

It is not enough to do good; one must also intend to do good.