“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
“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 simple, subjective definition of morality, tying it directly to personal feelings and emotional response. For Hemingway, the experience of feeling good after an action indicates that it aligns with one’s moral compass, while feeling bad after an action signals that it is immoral. This perspective on morality emphasizes individual conscience over external rules or societal norms, suggesting that true morality is felt, not dictated. The quote implies that moral actions align with personal integrity and lead to a sense of peace or satisfaction, while immoral actions create guilt, regret, or discomfort because they conflict with one’s internal sense of right and wrong.
Hemingway’s characters often wrestle with moral decisions and the consequences of their actions, and his writing reflects a deep concern for personal ethics in complex situations. In works like A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls, characters make difficult choices that challenge their moral convictions. Hemingway’s quote can be understood as a reflection of his own belief that morality is not just a set of rigid rules, but a dynamic, personal experience that can be felt and understood intuitively. It also reflects the subjectivity of ethical decisions and how individual conscience plays a crucial role in determining what is right or wrong in any given moment.
In the modern context, this quote can resonate with contemporary debates about ethical relativism and the subjective nature of morality. As society becomes more diverse and values shift, people often define right and wrong through their own experiences and feelings, rather than adhering to a universal standard. Hemingway’s perspective invites reflection on the emotional impact of our actions and encourages us to trust our own moral sense. It suggests that true morality is personal, and that acting in alignment with our values leads to inner peace, while actions that violate our conscience cause discord. This approach highlights the importance of self-awareness and introspection in navigating the complexities of modern ethical dilemmas.
