On human nature 19
Human beings are not “fundamentally good” or even “generally decent”. To say they are is to mouth Hallmark card sentiments, not express conclusions of observation and thought.
There is a small minority who are naturally fair-minded and humane. If you live long enough, chances are you will come upon a few.
Others, also a minority but much more numerous, commit atrocities.
The rest of us are standard rogues.
Most of us restrain ourselves from doing our worst most of the time. That much we can fairly claim for ourselves in the way of virtue.
Laws are the best bridle, though far from infallible.
Does nothing else hold us in check? Yes –
Fear that they might do unto us what we would like to do unto them.
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Jillian Becker
January 3, 2019
