“I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after.”
- July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961
- American
- Novelist, poet, journalist
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Old Man and the Sea,” “A Farewell to Arms,” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954
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Quote
“I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway offers a subjective and emotion-driven definition of morality. He suggests that moral actions are those that leave us with a sense of satisfaction or peace, while immoral actions result in feelings of guilt, regret, or discomfort. This perspective centers on the individual’s emotional response as the guide to distinguishing between right and wrong, implying that our conscience, or how we feel after making a decision, is a reliable measure of ethical behavior. For Hemingway, morality is not something dictated by external rules or societal standards, but rather a personal and internal compass that reflects our true values and integrity.
This view of morality aligns with Hemingway’s characters, who often grapple with personal dilemmas in a world where traditional notions of right and wrong are not always clear. In novels like A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls, Hemingway’s protagonists often make difficult choices based on personal honor and survival, facing the consequences of their actions and feeling conflicted about whether they acted morally. Hemingway’s approach to morality allows for gray areas—where the lines between good and bad are blurred—and emphasizes that the feeling after an action, rather than rigid moral codes, is what defines its ethical nature.
In the modern context, this quote resonates with contemporary views on ethical relativism, where moral decisions are often seen as subjective and influenced by personal experiences, beliefs, and emotions. It encourages us to reflect on the emotional consequences of our actions and how they align with our core values. This quote also suggests that personal integrity and self-awareness are key to living a moral life, as it is our internal feelings—how we feel about what we’ve done—that ultimately guide us in making ethical decisions. Hemingway’s words remind us that morality is often less about absolute rules and more about the authenticity and conscience behind our actions.
