“Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what’s right.”
- January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992
- Born in Russia
- Author, biochemist (professor)
- Wrote many science fiction works, including the Foundation series and the Robotics series
table of contents
Quote
“Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what’s right.”
Explanation
In this quote, Asimov presents a provocative view on the relationship between morality and ethics. He suggests that while personal morals can guide one’s actions, they should not obstruct the pursuit of what is objectively right or just. This highlights the potential conflict between individual beliefs and broader, universal ethical principles. Asimov implies that there are situations where adhering strictly to one’s own moral framework can lead to outcomes that are ultimately harmful or misguided, and that a greater sense of what is right, based on reason and evidence, should take precedence. His stance promotes a more flexible, rational approach to ethics, urging individuals to be willing to reconsider their principles when faced with a higher moral imperative.
Asimov’s personal worldview was grounded in rationalism and scientific inquiry, and he often explored ethical dilemmas in his work, especially in his Robot series, where characters faced challenges that required balancing personal morality with the greater good. He believed that moral certainty can sometimes be a hindrance to progress and problem-solving. By encouraging people to consider what is truly right, rather than adhering to rigid moral dogmas, Asimov was advocating for an open-minded, problem-solving approach to difficult ethical situations, particularly in a rapidly changing world.
In modern times, Asimov’s quote speaks to the complex ethical issues we face, particularly in the fields of medicine, artificial intelligence, and politics. Moral reasoning often leads to debates over issues like human rights, data privacy, or genetic modification, where different perspectives of right and wrong can clash. Asimov’s perspective suggests that we should prioritize objective solutions—based on reason, evidence, and human well-being—over personal beliefs that might impede societal progress. In today’s world, this calls for an ethical flexibility that allows for adaptation to new challenges, ensuring that decisions are made with a focus on the greater good rather than personal or traditional moral frameworks.
