The Good and the True

Name: The Good and the True
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work explores the intrinsic relationship between the concepts of good and truth, emphasizing the distinction between loving good for its own sake and loving truth for its own sake. It posits that while many individuals, particularly women, may exhibit a genuine love for goodness, a much rarer quality is the love for truth devoid of ulterior motives. This lack of commitment to truth can lead to the misuse of the concept of goodness, resulting in persecution and cruelty justified by a misguided sense of righteousness. The text critiques historical instances, particularly within the context of the Roman Catholic Church, where the pursuit of good has often been manipulated to justify harmful actions against those who uphold truth. It argues that the conflation of good and truth can lead to moral corruption, where the ends are seen as justifying the means, thus fostering an environment of zealotry and intolerance. The author asserts that a true understanding of both good and truth requires a sincere commitment to both, free from external influences or personal agendas. This understanding is portrayed as a rare and valuable insight, essential for genuine moral and ethical behavior. The work ultimately calls for a deeper reflection on the motivations behind our actions and the importance of aligning our pursuit of good with an unwavering commitment to truth.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1833 · Genre: Philosophical Essay, Moral Philosophy, Literary Criticism · 198 words

First lines

There is the love of the good for the good's sake, and the love of the truth for the truth's sake. I have known many, especially women, love the good for the good's sake; but very few, indeed, and scarcely one woman, love the truth for the truth's sake. Yet; without the latter, the former may become, as it has a thousand times been, the source of persecution of the truth, -- the pretext and motive of inquisitorial cruelty and party zealotry. To see clearly that the love of the good and the true is ultimately identical -- is given only to those who love both sincerely and without any foreign ends.

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The Good and the True is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1833 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1833 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophical Essay, Moral Philosophy, Literary Criticism, Theological Reflection, Sociopolitical Commentary
Length: 198 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Philosophical Essay — The work explores deep philosophical themes regarding the nature of good and truth.
Moral Philosophy — It discusses ethical implications of loving good and truth, emphasizing moral considerations.
Literary Criticism — The text critiques societal norms and historical contexts related to truth and morality.
Theological Reflection — It touches on religious themes, particularly in relation to the Romish religion and its historical actions.