The more his character, by rising above material contingencies, widen, become free and independent.
AFRIKAN SPIRDeep down, everything boils down (“au fond tout se ramène”, Fr.) to the following simple question; Do we really want justice and the realization in this world of higher principles, or else do we want to serve selfish.
More Afrikan Spir Quotes
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If pity was always equally alive and acting in all individuals and in all circumstances, we could do away with moral. Unfortunately, it is not compassion, but rather it’s contrary, selfishness, that act most strongly in us.
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System that maintain among nations a a perpetual distrust and tension, impose on them (or force or compel, “leur impose”, Fr.) formidable armies and crushing war budgets.
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See that unfortunate soldier who is falling hurt to death (“tombe blessé à…”, Fr.) on the battlefield; he learns that his folks have vanquished and dies happy.
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Besides the progress of industry and technique, we see a growing discontent among the masses; we see, besides the expansion (“expansion,”, Fr.) of instruction, distrust and hatred expanding among nations (“s’étendre la méfiance et la haine entre,” Fr.).
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Habit can become a second nature, but, wrongly directed (or guided), it may also heighten (or intensify) unfortunate tendencies and be an obstacle to progress.
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We can already foresee a moment when it will bring about (“entraînera”, Fr.) severe (big, high, intense, – “grands”, Fr.) disasters,
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The only one thing which is really valuable, it is to do good.
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To sacrifice the moral to the physical, as is done in these days, is to sacrifice reality for a shadow.
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In their country, two fellow coutrymen whose paths berely cross (or see each only only briefly) with inferrence, would effusively rush themselves up (or throw themselves) into each other arms if they would happen to meet in a desert, among Cannibles.
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Having no consideration (regardless or irrespective of) for others (“autrui”, Fr.), than we physically are by a sickening (or nauseating) smell.
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Possessions of this world have not been for the exclusive use by such or such category of individuals.
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Thus the moral consciousness is an innate and intimate revelation of the absolute, which goes beyond (or goes pass, or exceed) every empirical data (or given information).
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The military predominace of Sparte. This example proves that man can everything on themselves when they want it (“peuvent tout sur eux-mêmes quand ils le veulent”, Fr.); therefore it would only be a question of making them will the good.
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It is in the company of men pursuing a same ideal that the still weavering (or unsteady) soul can set oneself (“se fixer”, Fr) and stick to (or attach to) everything that is noble and generous.
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When under the influence of certain (or some) reasons (or causes) (alcohol, war, etc – added Spir here) the low instincts are unbridled (or unrestrained).
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It depends on ourselves to be to each others, either a blessing or a torment.
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Likewise that it must be all the same to them that these adhere to such or such religion, so long as a full (or complete) liberty is equally garantee for everyone.
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Men who have sacrifice their well-being, and even their lives, for the cause of truth or the public good, are, from an empirical point of view – which scorn (“fait fi”, Fr.) virtue and altruism – regarded as insane or fools; but, from a moral standpoint, they are heros who do honour (“qui honorent”, Fr.) humanity.
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(“Le concept de l’absolu, d’où découlent, dans le domaine moral, les lois ou normes morales, constitue, le principe d’identité, qui est la loi fondamentale de la pensée; il en découle les normes logiques qui régissent la pensée dans le domaine de la science.”)
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Apart from selfish reasons, such as fear of punishments, fear of blame, of dishonour, etc, there remains only two motives that can stop (or prevent, “empâecher”, Fr.) men from acting badly.
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(“La religion n’et pas une smple théorie, elle est une vie supérieure, dont la moralité fait partie intégrante – une vie vouée au culte du bien et du vrai, car Dieu, l’absolu est la source de toute perfection”, Fr.)
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The precept to worship God ‘in spirit and in truth’ recommand to worship him as an inward and moral force, without physical attributes and with no relation to fears and egoist wishes.
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An intelligent eveil-doer, having benefited from a higher education, represent a more saddening phenomenon (“phénomène”, Fr.) than an unfortune illiterate fellow having commited an offence.
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In ancient times, any man rising up above the common people tried to shape his life according to his principles; it is no longer like than now; it is (because) for the ancients.
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What we take for vainglory, ambition, love of power and riches (or wealth), is often, indeed, a need to mask this emptiness, a need to let one’s hair down (or to live it up), to put oneself on a false scent or trail. (de se donner le change”, Fr.)
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The first principle from which stems the moral of about all people at all time; it is summarized in this precept: Love thy neighbour as thyself, and: do as you would be done by.
AFRIKAN SPIR