ABSTRACT
“Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing admiration and reverence: […] the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me” (KpV 5:161). 1 While through the study of nature we become aware of our animal nature, our moral condition raises us above animality and makes us aware of our dignity as persons. This is the famous dictum which summarizes Kant’s philosophical stance. In writing these beautiful words, he was probably inspired by Seneca (Ep. 64.5–7; Constant. 8.2–4; Santozki 2006: 226–7; Seidler 1981: 674–6). Kant held ancient moral philosophy in great esteem (Religion 6:24).
