April 26
Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. Act in such a way that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.
Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals
An Apple for Pelageya
Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. Act in such a way that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.
Through the keyhole, seven-year-old Grisha saw a cabman sitting in the kitchen. The nanny was offering him food and drink. Pelageya, the cook, fussed with knives and cloths without getting anywhere with her work. Later she said that she did not want to marry the man.
The grown-ups went on talking about the wedding. Grisha's mother explained to the cook that marrying was her own affair; but the man was not to live in the house, and Pelageya could not go out at night either.
After the wedding the cabman turned up again. His wife should be kept under close watch, he said. Then he asked for five roubles out of her wages, for a new piece of his horse's harness.
Grisha ran into the pantry. He picked out the biggest apple, crept into the kitchen, pressed it into Pelageya's hand and ran off again.
