The Only Use of
categorical imperative
in
Brave New World
- All the air of the fourteenth floor was sibilant with the categorical imperative.†
p. 26..9
Definition:
-
(categorical imperative) the moral principle that behavior should be determined by duty (Immanuel Kant)editor's notes: Specifically, Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) wrote:
"Act only according to a maxim by which you can at the same time will that it shall become a general law."
In other words, "act only in such a way that you would want all men to act." This categorical imperative is similar to Jesus' Golden Rule:
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
It is also similar to the teachings of Confucius which demand that one's actions are guarded and selfless.