[MD] Is Morality innate in the cosmos?

[Platt Holden]

Quoting David M <davidint at blueyonder.co.uk>:

> Hi Platt
> 
> Would you agree that free individuals are only possible
> in the environment of a society? And is it not true that
> therefore individuals will have to contribute to the upkeep
> of their society if they are to remain free individuals?

Not sure what you mean. An individual as such is only possible if there are others,
like a mother and father, and it certainly helps to be part of an extended family
like a tribe. Individuals are never free of the biological necessities like food,
shelter and clothing, but it certainly helps to be a in a society where one can
exchange one's work for the work of others. There's no free lunch. As for
contributing to the upkeep of society, every one who works contributes, whether a
butcher, baker or candlestick maker. The biggest threat to individual freedom is the
heavy hand of government with its legal power to take away your freedom. The unique
thing about American society is that it was founded on the principle that each
individual is free to live for his own sake, not for the sake of others, i.e., his
life and the product of his work belongs to him, not his next door neighbor or the
gang down the street or across town. That idea was truly revolutionary, and remains
so to this day. That to me is what a being a "free individual" means.

Platt


-------------------------------------------------
This mail sent through IMP: http://horde.org/imp/