Morals are in all countries the result of legislation and government; they are not African or Asian or European: they are good or bad.

In this quote, Denis Diderot argues that morals are not defined by a specific continent or culture, but are instead shaped by legislation and government. He asserts that morals are universal and can be considered either good or bad, regardless of geographical or cultural boundaries. Diderot’s statement reflects his Enlightenment belief in the power of reason and law to influence ethical behavior, suggesting that moral systems are a product of human society and governance, not intrinsic to particular races or regions.

Diderot is challenging the notion that morality is culturally specific, as was often suggested by those who viewed different cultures through an ethnocentric lens. By saying that morals are the result of government and laws, he emphasizes that social norms and ethical standards are constructed through legal systems and political structures, rather than being inherent to specific groups of people. This view reflects the Enlightenment’s emphasis on universality and rationalism, where human behavior and beliefs could be shaped by education, legal frameworks, and societal structures.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Diderot’s role as a prominent philosopher and editor of the Encyclopédie during the Enlightenment period. Enlightenment thinkers, including Diderot, sought to challenge traditional authority and promote reason, science, and universal human rights. Diderot’s assertion about the universal nature of morality was a critique of the prevailing view that different cultures had distinct, unchangeable moral codes based on tradition or religious doctrine.

Ultimately, Diderot’s statement reflects his belief in the power of reason and legislation to shape human behavior. By rejecting the idea that morals are tied to a specific culture or geography, he promotes the idea that morality is a human construct that can be evaluated based on its goodness or badness, rather than its cultural origin. This aligns with the broader Enlightenment ideals of universalism and the capacity of human reason to determine what is right or wrong.