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Are there any historical examples of societies that have thrived under moral absolutism?

Zita Noorwood

Yes, there are historical examples of societies that have thrived under moral absolutism. One such society was the ancient Egyptian civilization, which existed for over three thousand years, from around 3100 BC until it was conquered by Alexander the Great in 332 BC.

Ancient Egyptian society was highly moralistic, with strict codes of behavior and a strong emphasis on personal responsibility. The ancient Egyptians believed in the concept of Ma'at, which was the balance of order, justice, and truth in the universe. They believed that if individuals acted morally and upheld the principles of Ma'at, then society would remain stable and prosperous.

One of the key features of Egyptian society was the pharaoh, who was seen as the divine representative of Ma'at on Earth. The pharaoh was responsible for upholding moral standards and ensuring that justice was carried out. The ancient Egyptians believed that the pharaoh's moral authority was absolute, and they accepted his decisions without question.

Another example of a society that thrived under moral absolutism was ancient Sparta. The Spartans were renowned for their strict code of conduct and their unwavering commitment to the collective good. They believed that the survival of the state was the most important goal, and they were willing to sacrifice their individual desires and ambitions for the greater good.

The Spartans placed a strong emphasis on physical fitness and military training, and they believed that a strong body was necessary for a strong mind. They also placed a high value on discipline and order, with severe punishments handed out for any deviation from the norm.

Despite their harsh and often brutal society, the Spartans were able to create a stable and prosperous state that lasted for several centuries. They were able to maintain their power through a combination of strict discipline, military prowess, and a deep commitment to their moral code.

In more recent history, Nazi Germany is often cited as an example of a society that embraced moral absolutism. The Nazi regime was built on the principles of racial purity and national supremacy, and it was able to gain the support of millions of Germans who believed in these ideals.

The Nazis believed that their moral authority was absolute, and they were willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals. They implemented policies of genocide and ethnic cleansing, resulting in the deaths of millions of Jews and others considered "undesirable" by the regime.

While the Nazi regime was able to exert a tremendous amount of control over German society for a time, it ultimately led to the destruction of the country and the deaths of millions of people. The lesson of Nazi Germany is that moral absolutism, when taken to its extreme, can lead to unspeakable horrors and should be avoided at all costs.

In conclusion, there are historical examples of societies that have thrived under moral absolutism, such as ancient Egypt and Sparta. However, the dangers of absolutism are also clear, as demonstrated by the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany. It is important to strive for balance and moral clarity in society, without allowing absolute moral authority to become a means of oppression or violence.