In our European society the
vital condition, and thus the general countersign, is self-respect
coupled with respect for others (including women and children). This
countersign, new in history, has a singular advantage over all
preceding ones: each individual being respected, each can develop
himself according to his nature; he can accordingly invent in every
sense, bring forth every sort of production and be useful to himself
and others in every way, thus enabling society to develop
indefinitely.
[14] Taine is probably speaking of the colonial wars in China and the
conquest of Madagascar. (SR).
[15] Here Taine is seeing mankind as being male, strong and hardy;
however I feel that liberty is more desirable for the strong and
confident while the child, the lost, the sick, the ignorant or feeble
person is looking for protection, reassurance and guidance. When
society consisted of strong independent farmers, hunters, warriors,
nomads or artisans backed by family and clan, liberty was an important
idea. Today few if any can rise above the horde and gain the
insights, the wisdom and the competence which once was such a common
thing. Today the strong seek promotion inside the hierarchy of the
welfare state rest-house.
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