Meaning:
The quote "Nature has not got two voices, you know, one of them condemning all day what the other commands" is attributed to the Marquis de Sade, a French novelist, philosopher, and libertine of the 18th century. This quote reflects an existentialist perspective on human nature and the conflict between instinctual desires and societal norms.
In this quote, the Marquis de Sade seems to be alluding to the dichotomy between human instinct and societal morality. He suggests that nature, which encompasses both human instinct and the natural world, does not possess conflicting voices. Instead, he implies that conflicting voices are a construct of human society. The juxtaposition of "condemning" and "commands" in the quote suggests a tension between the natural impulses and desires that drive individuals and the moral judgments imposed by society.
The Marquis de Sade is well-known for his controversial and often explicit philosophical writings that challenged the prevailing moral and social norms of his time. His works often delved into themes of sexual freedom, individual desire, and the constraints of society. It's important to note that de Sade's views were highly controversial and often considered radical and immoral by his contemporaries.
From an existentialist perspective, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the inner conflict experienced by individuals as they navigate their instinctual desires and societal expectations. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizes the individual's freedom and responsibility to make choices in a world devoid of inherent meaning or values. The quote can be seen as highlighting the struggle individuals face in reconciling their natural inclinations with the moral codes imposed by society.
The idea that nature does not possess conflicting voices aligns with existentialist notions of authenticity and individual freedom. It suggests that the tension between instinct and societal norms is a product of human consciousness and the complex interplay between individual desires and external expectations. From an existentialist viewpoint, the quote may be interpreted as a call to embrace one's authentic desires and to critically examine the moral judgments imposed by society.
It's worth noting that the Marquis de Sade's own life and actions were often at odds with societal norms, and he spent a significant portion of his life in prison due to his controversial writings and libertine lifestyle. His personal experiences may have informed his perspective on the inherent conflict between individual desires and societal condemnation.
In conclusion, the quote "Nature has not got two voices, you know, one of them condemning all day what the other commands" by the Marquis de Sade encapsulates the existentialist theme of the conflict between human instinct and societal morality. It challenges the notion of inherent moral conflict within nature and invites contemplation on the complexities of human consciousness and the struggle for authenticity in the face of societal expectations.