10-14-2018, 09:22 AM
Much of what we consider morality reflects the culture. Maybe culture adapts to technologies and economic realities, but people do not become better because they have more sophisticated technologies and better access to information. The faults of German society between 1933 and 1945 had no cause in any technological deficiency.
The relative dangers of old sins can change with time. Maybe contraception can reduce the likelihood of unwelcome children who grow up resented as burdens and thus are at risk of becoming sociopaths, only to cheapen love into lust. This said, I was discussing the classic Seven Deadly Sins (Anger, Lust, Greed, Gluttony, Sloth, Envy, and Pride) in a modern context of capitalism and national identity, only to find that some of those 'sins' are inevitable and necessary, or at least conducive to prosperity. The jewelry and floral industries would practically disintegrate without lust; greed motivates people to do necessary but unattractive work lest society depend upon slavery; envy that causes people to try to keep up with the Joneses encourages people to work, save, and invest; sloth is a reward in a leisurely vacation and as a defense against overwork. Righteous anger is appropriate against Adolf Hitler or Saddam Hussein -- or even Ted Bundy and Charles Manson. Gluttony is still harmful to personal health (obesity, diabetes, cirrhosis), a different concern from when the Seven Deadly Sins were established when those who overate denied food to those in need. Hubristic pride still has catastrophe as a consequence.
This said, I would now consider cruelty, cowardice, ignorance, and deceit no less deadly than the original seven.
The relative dangers of old sins can change with time. Maybe contraception can reduce the likelihood of unwelcome children who grow up resented as burdens and thus are at risk of becoming sociopaths, only to cheapen love into lust. This said, I was discussing the classic Seven Deadly Sins (Anger, Lust, Greed, Gluttony, Sloth, Envy, and Pride) in a modern context of capitalism and national identity, only to find that some of those 'sins' are inevitable and necessary, or at least conducive to prosperity. The jewelry and floral industries would practically disintegrate without lust; greed motivates people to do necessary but unattractive work lest society depend upon slavery; envy that causes people to try to keep up with the Joneses encourages people to work, save, and invest; sloth is a reward in a leisurely vacation and as a defense against overwork. Righteous anger is appropriate against Adolf Hitler or Saddam Hussein -- or even Ted Bundy and Charles Manson. Gluttony is still harmful to personal health (obesity, diabetes, cirrhosis), a different concern from when the Seven Deadly Sins were established when those who overate denied food to those in need. Hubristic pride still has catastrophe as a consequence.
This said, I would now consider cruelty, cowardice, ignorance, and deceit no less deadly than the original seven.
The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the dedicated Communist but instead the people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, true and false, no longer exists -- Hannah Arendt.