Q0107
“It is impossible to think of anything at all in the world,…” — Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals)
Verified English quotation. Primary source: Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Theme: freedom.
English
It is impossible to think of anything at all in the world, or indeed even beyond it, that could be considered good without limitation except a good will.
Source and attribution
The archive attributes this English wording to Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals and files it under Critical Philosophy. That locator distinguishes the passage from loose internet attributions: readers can return to the named work or section to check translation, surrounding argument, and edition-specific wording.
About Immanuel Kant
Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) spent nearly his entire life in Königsberg, rising from tutor to professor at the university there. After early scientific and metaphysical essays, the Critique of Pure Reason (1781/1787) launched his “critical” philosophy.
How to read this passage
Philosophers distinguish several ideas under the single word freedom. Negative freedom emphasizes non-interference; positive freedom emphasizes the capacity to act according to reasons, virtue, or authentic desire. This passage enters that discussion through freedom, morality.
Concepts in this quote
- Freedom
- Freedom is among the most searched and most contested themes in philosophy: what it is to choose, to be responsible, and to live without illegitimate constraint.
- Morality
- Morality in philosophy concerns right and wrong, obligation, and the standards by which we judge persons and acts.
How to cite this quotation
APA: Immanuel Kant. (n.d.). It is impossible to think of anything at all in the world, or indeed even beyond it, that could be considered good without limitation except a good will. In Philosophy Blind Box. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0107
MLA: Immanuel Kant. “It is impossible to think of anything at….” Philosophy Blind Box, https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0107.
Chicago: Immanuel Kant. “It is impossible to think of anything at….” Philosophy Blind Box. Accessed 2026. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0107.
Frequently asked questions
What is the source of the quotation “It is impossible to think of anything at…”?
The passage is attributed to Immanuel Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. The archive attributes this English wording to Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals and files it under Critical Philosophy. That locator distinguishes the passage from loose internet attributions: readers can return to the named work or section to check translation, surrounding argument, and edition-specific wording.
What does Immanuel Kant mean by freedom?
Philosophers distinguish several ideas under the single word freedom. Negative freedom emphasizes non-interference; positive freedom emphasizes the capacity to act according to reasons, virtue, or authentic desire. This passage enters that discussion through freedom, morality.