The quote “An important species of pleasure, and therewith the source of morality, arises out of habit” suggests that pleasure, and by extension morality, is born out of the things we do repeatedly, or our habits. The idea here is that we derive satisfaction and pleasure from the things we do regularly, and these habits end up shaping our sense of what’s right and wrong, or our morality.

This concept can be seen in the way we form our values and principles. For example, if we have a habit of reading and learning, we might develop a strong value for knowledge and education, and consider ignorance or lack of curiosity as ‘wrong’. Similarly, if we have a habit of helping others, we might develop a strong sense of empathy and compassion, and consider selfishness as ‘wrong’.

This idea can be applied in today’s world in various ways. For instance, in personal development, understanding that habits form the basis for our pleasure and morality can motivate us to cultivate positive habits. If we want to value health and fitness, we can develop a habit of regular exercise. If we want to value creativity and innovation, we can develop a habit of brainstorming or problem-solving.

In a broader societal context, this idea can be used to understand how societal norms and values are formed. Societies have collective habits, like celebrating certain holidays or following certain traditions, and these habits shape the collective morality of that society. Understanding this can help us appreciate the diversity of moral systems across different cultures, and also question and challenge harmful societal habits that lead to unjust moral standards.

In conclusion, this quote suggests that our habits play a crucial role in shaping our sense of pleasure and morality. By being mindful of our habits, we can shape our values and principles in a way that brings us pleasure and contributes positively to our personal and societal development.