Of Human Bondage · Chapter
LIII explained
Philip reflects on his upbringing, the death of his parents, and the emotional detachment he has developed as a defense mechanism.
What happens
Philip reflects on his upbringing, the death of his parents, and the emotional detachment he has developed as a defense mechanism. He recalls Cronshaw's statement that there is no abstract morality and begins to formulate his own ethical system based on the struggle for life and the idea that might is right. He reads philosophy and Darwin's Origin of Species, concluding that good and evil are relative and that the free man can do no wrong. With sixteen hundred pounds and his clubfoot, he sets out for London to make his third start in life.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom and Determinism
Philip grapples with the idea of free will versus determinism, concluding that each man's philosophy is determined by his nature, and that the free man can do no wrong.
Suffering and Disillusionment
Philip reflects on the loneliness, humiliation, and disappointment of his life, but uses flippancy as a defense against despair.
The Search for Meaning
Philip searches for a personal philosophy and meaning in life through reading philosophy and science, but remains unsatisfied, recalling Cronshaw's riddle of the Persian carpet.
Characters to notice
- Philip Carey
Philip reflects on his past, his emotional detachment, and his philosophical journey. He decides to live by his own rules and sets out for London.
- William Carey
Mr. Carey retires to his study after a brief conversation with Philip about what he learned in Paris.
- Cronshaw
Philip recalls Cronshaw's statement that there is no abstract morality and his parable of the Persian carpet.
Key passages
“By Jove, if I weren’t flippant, I should hang myself.”
Philip thinks that his flippant attitude is the only thing preventing him from despair.
Philip's self-awareness about his emotional defense mechanism.
“Follow your inclinations with due regard to the policeman round the corner.”
Philip's provisional rule is to act on his desires as long as he avoids getting caught by the law.
Philip's pragmatic and somewhat cynical approach to morality.
“The free man can do no wrong. He does everything he likes—if he can. His power is the only measure of his morality.”
Philip concludes that a truly free individual is not bound by conventional morality, and his actions are only limited by his ability to carry them out.
Philip's radical ethical conclusion after reading Darwin and philosophy.