The Role of T.S. Eliot’s Quote in Segal’s Reflection on Truth
In the article “My Grandfather’s Walking Stick,” Lore Segal introduces the quote by T.S. Eliot, “Humankind cannot bear very much reality,” to emphasize the idea that people often find it difficult to confront difficult truths about themselves and their loved ones. Segal uses examples from her own life to illustrate this point. For instance, she finds it difficult to accept her grandfather’s aging and frailty, so she clings to the walking stick he gave her as a child to preserve his memory. She also struggles to accept her mortality, so she resists donating her body to science after she dies.
Segal’s use of Eliot’s quote suggests that our fears and desires limit our capacity to accept reality. We may prefer to cling to illusions rather than face the harsh truths of life. Segal’s essay highlights the importance of confronting reality, even when it is painful or difficult. By doing this, we can better understand ourselves and our place in the world.
Kantian Ethics Applied: Lying and Gossip in the Context of Vice
Immanuel Kant believed that lying was always wrong, regardless of the circumstances. He argued that lying violated our duty to respect others as autonomous individuals. In Segal’s essay, she also discusses gossip, which she sees as lying.
However, unlike Kant, Segal suggests that gossip can sometimes serve a positive purpose, such as when it exposes wrongdoing or hypocrisy. Kant would likely view lying and gossip as devilish vices that involve deceiving others and undermining their autonomy. However, it is worth noting that Kant’s views on lying are controversial, and many philosophers have challenged his absolutist position. Some argue that there are cases where lying may be justified, such as when it is necessary to protect someone from harm.
When Vices Become Virtues: Contextualizing Human Behavior
Some human activities traditionally seen as vices could be considered virtuous under certain circumstances. For instance, stealing is generally considered wrong, but it could be justified in extreme poverty or social injustice. Similarly, revenge is often seen as a negative emotion, but it could be seen as virtuous in cases where it serves as a form of justice for wrongdoing.
The circumstances under which vices could be considered virtuous are often complex and context-dependent. In general, it is important to consider the motives and consequences of our actions before making moral judgments. We should strive to act with integrity and compassion and recognize that our actions have real-world effects on ourselves and others.