Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals: With an Updated Translation, Introduction, and Notes

by Immanuel Kant

In fact we also find that the more a cultivated reason gives itself over to the aim of enjoying life and happiness, the farther the human being falls short of true contentment; from this arises in many, and indeed in those most practiced in the cultivated use of reason, if only they are sincere enough to admit it, a certain degree of misology, i.e. hatred of reason;9 for after reckoning all the advantages they draw, I do not say from the invention of all the arts of common luxury,10 but even from the sciences (which also seem to them in the end to bea a luxury of the understanding), they nevertheless find that they have in fact only brought moreb hardship down [Ak 4:396] on their shoulders than they have gained in happiness, and on this account in the end they sooner envy than despise human beings of the more common stamp, who are closer to the guidance of mere natural instinct and do not permit their reason much influence over their conduct.