The self, the place where we live, is a place of illusion. Goodness is connected with the attempt to see the unself, to see and to respond to the rea… - Iris Murdoch

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The self, the place where we live, is a place of illusion. Goodness is connected with the attempt to see the unself, to see and to respond to the real world in the light of a virtuous consciousness. This is the non-metaphysical meaning of the idea of transcendence to which philosophers have so constantly resorted in their explanations of goodness. 'Good is a transcendent reality' means that virtue is the attempt to pierce the veil of selfish consciousness and join the world as it really is. It is an empirical fact about human nature that this attempt cannot be entirely successful.

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About Iris Murdoch

Dame Jean Iris Murdoch (15 July 1919 – 8 February 1999) was an Anglo-Irish novelist and philosopher, famed for her series of novels that combine rich characterization and compelling plotlines usually involving ethical or sexual themes. Her life-story was filmed in 2001 as Iris.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Native Name: Jean Iris Murdoch
Alternative Names: Dame Iris Murdoch

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