The Paradox of Morality in Modern Society

In today’s world, the concept of morality has become so elusive that its true manifestation often leads to a paradoxical reaction.

Female Philosopher
2 min readJan 4, 2024

When true morality is demonstrated, it is paradoxically viewed as immoral by those who believe they are morally superior, yet they themselves possess inherent immorality.

This paradox is a reflection of the complex nature of morality in our society.

What Is Morality?

Morality, in its purest form, is a set of principles or values that guide our actions, distinguishing right from wrong.

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However, the rarity of such unadulterated morality has led to a skewed perception of what it truly means to be moral.

Individuals who view themselves as “morally superior” are prone to the pitfall of self-righteousness, causing them to blur the distinction between their perceived righteousness and genuine immorality.

What Do I Mean By Perceived Righteousness?

This is the belief of being morally superior than others, evident in actions and attitudes. It can lead to judgmental behavior and lack of empathy, often coming from ignorance or inflated ego.

Their judgment of others' actions is guided by their tainted moral compass, which stems from their inherent immorality.

Consequently, when they come across true morality, they misinterpret it as immorality due to their distorted perception.

Self Righteous Snare

Those who consider themselves morally superior often get entangled in the snare of self-righteousness, blurring the boundary between their perceived righteousness and actual wrongdoing.

Their assessment of others' behavior is based on their external moral standards, which are frequently influenced by their innate immorality.

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Introspection & Discernment Must Be Sought

This common phenomenon is a stark reminder of the need for introspection and self-awareness in our moral judgments.

It calls for a reevaluation of our understanding of morality, urging us to strive for authenticity rather than perceived superiority.

In conclusion, the rarity of genuine morality in today’s society has led to a paradoxical perception of morality.

It is crucial for us to recognize this paradox and strive for true morality, rather than falling into the trap of self-righteousness and misjudgment.

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Female Philosopher
Female Philosopher

Written by Female Philosopher

Rigorous thinker & analyzer of ideas transmuted into unique perspectives covering vast dimensions. Abstract insights benefit #everyone...

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