The Two Sources of Morality and Religion

Henri Bergson's work, The Two Sources of Morality and Religion, explores the origins of morality and religion by positing two distinct sources. The first source is the "closed society," which relies on intelligence and leads to static, mechanistic ideals and codified laws. This is contrasted with the second source, the "open society," which is driven by intuition and manifests in the dynamic aspirations of heroes and mystical saints. This second source finds expression in the creative impulses of art, philosophy, and religious mysticism.1

Bergson suggests that morality rooted in intelligence leads to a static, rule-based system, while morality stemming from intuition is more dynamic and aspirational. Similarly, religion can arise from a need for social order or from profound mystical experiences. This work reflects Bergson's broader philosophical emphasis on process, change, and evolution over static values.12