this house of horrors, aphorism 196, The Mechanics of Virtue, Matt Berry

196

When the distance is small, the lower needs the higher – and this soon shortens that distance: The self-righteous often gain an advantage in times of emergency by stepping aside and doing nothing.  Urgency often demands of those in power harsh and speedy measures which cannot be contained within those limits established during times of peace.  The task will get done all the easier if the righteous step aside for the obvious emergency.  


When the danger has passed, the righteous may step forward again with painstaking detail, fearless investigation ... histories and biographies ... prosecutions and artistic depiction.  And thus, after having held the door open, they can condemn all who had to enter this house of horrors.



A Human Strategy ** The Mechanics of Virtue ** Post-Atheism



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