Moral codes were not designed to be selective, nor indeed were they designed to be questioned. You could not say that you would observe this prohibition but not that.
The quote highlights the nature of moral codes as absolute guidelines meant for universal adherence. They are not meant to be disregarded selectively; individuals should commit to following them without exception. This underscores the idea that moral obligations are meant to shape behavior consistently rather than allowing for personal interpretation or selective application.
In "Morality for Beautiful Girls," Alexander McCall Smith suggests that questioning these moral codes undermines their very purpose. The expectation is that individuals embrace these principles fully, as cherry-picking which moral rules to follow complicates the foundational intent of fostering a cohesive moral framework in society.
