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a fully caused & embodied blog ] [
Good Sense Without God ]
It is in the prosecution of some single object, and in striving to reach its accomplishment by the combined application of his moral and physical energies, that the true happiness of man, in his full vigour and development, consists. Possession, it is true, crowns exertion with repose; but it is only in the illusions of fancy that it has power to charm our eyes. If we consider the position of man in the universe,—if we remember the constant tendency of his energies towards some definite activity, and recognize the influence of surrounding nature, which is ever provoking him to exertion, we shall be ready to acknowledge that repose and possession do not indeed exist but in imagination. - Wilhelm von Humboldt, The Sphere and Duties of Government (The Limits of State Action) (1854 ed.)
Extreme Continuation
But, wait!
You are comparing the killing of innocent people based on some sort of utilitarian calculus with some sort of "punishment" for just thinking discriminating thoughts?!! You are not suggesting that that punishment be being put to death for just a thought are you? I mean while your post was extreme, that would just be ridiculous.
No one is suggesting the death penalty for just bad thoughts!
Right, just the three main monotheistic religions on the planet:
You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.
(Update: Slightly edited for clarity.)
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