more from Johann Fichte

Single Idea 23234

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / e. Human nature]

Full Idea

I cannot will the intention of making myself something other than what I am determined to be by nature, for I don't make myself at all but nature makes me and whatever I become.

Gist of Idea

I cannot change the nature which has been determined for me

Source

Johann Fichte (The Vocation of Man [1800], 1)

Book Reference

Fichte,Johann G.: 'The Vocation of Man', ed/tr. Preuss,Peter [Hackett 1987], p.19


A Reaction

I take this to be a lot more accurate than Sartre's claim that we can re-make ourselves, but Fichte doesn't seem quite right. Don't I get any credit at all if I give up smoking, or train myself to treat someone more sympathetically?

Related Ideas

Idea 433 For man character is destiny [Heraclitus]

Idea 23236 Freedom means making yourself become true to your essential nature [Fichte]