Michael Shermer Moral Quotations

My thesis is that morality exists outside the human mind in the sense of being not just a trait of individual humans, but a human trait; that is, a human universal.

Providentially, learned habits can be unlearned, especially in the context of moral groups.

We do not just blindly concede control to authorities; instead we follow the cues provided by our moral communities on how best to behave.

Accepting evolution does not force us to jettison our morals and ethics, and rejecting evolution does not ensure their constancy.

Rationality tied to moral decency is the most powerful joint instrument for good that our planet has ever known.

Myths are stories that express meaning, morality or motivation. Whether they are true or not is irrelevant.

To be a fully functioning moral agent, one cannot passively accept moral principles handed down by fiat. Moral principles require moral reasoning.

Absolute morality leads logically to absolute intolerance.