The balance of private good and general welfare is at the bottom of civilized morals but the morals of the Heroic Age are founded on individuality, and on nothing else.
The quote highlights the fundamental difference between the morals of the Heroic Age and those of a civilized society. In the Heroic Age, individuality and personal achievement are the primary values, whereas in a civilized society, the balance between individual good and general welfare is the guiding principle. This dichotomy is the foundation of the quote's assertion that the morals of the Heroic Age are founded on individuality, and on nothing else.
The quote emphasizes the importance of considering the broader social implications of individual actions and decisions. It suggests that a truly civilized society must balance the needs and desires of its members with the greater good, rather than prioritizing individual success above all else.
The quote is set in the context of the Heroic Age, a period characterized by a focus on individual achievement and personal glory. This era is often associated with the mythological and legendary stories of ancient cultures, such as those of Greece and Rome.
Lascelles Abercrombie was a British poet, critic, and scholar who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was known for his work on the Romantic poets and his own poetry, which often explored themes of nature and the human condition.
The quote's emphasis on balancing individual good with general welfare has practical applications in fields such as politics, economics, and social justice. It suggests that individuals and societies must consider the broader implications of their actions and decisions, rather than simply pursuing their own interests.